#KnowTheO: How Venus Came to Campus

There is no shortage of beautiful artwork, sculptures, and statues at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

Perhaps the most familiar piece of art to those on the Dodge Campus is a modified replica of the “Venus de Milo” statue, located on the northwest corner of the Arts and Sciences Hall.

It is thought to be a mix of two very popular works: the original Venus de Milo and the Venus d’Arles. Because the original Venus de Milo doesn’t have arms, the arms of UNO’s statue are actually modeled from the Venus d’Arles. The statue is covered seasonally to protect it from the elements.

The statue was donated 14 years ago by UNO alumna Martha Page (class of 2003). Page donated the statue when she moved, telling The Gateway “I’m delighted the statue is going to be at my alma mater, but not only that, but in an educational environment…I’ll miss her, but she’s in a place where my heart is” in 2007.

The original Venus de Milo, housed at the Louvre in Paris, was created sometime between 130 and 100 BC. It is believed to depict Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The statue is named after Aphrodite’s Roman name, Venus, and the Greek island of Milos, where it was discovered.