Born in 1867 in St. Charles, Idaho, Gutzon Borglum was later educated at Harvard Technical College and excelled in many fields. Passionate about art and sculpting, it did not take long for Borglum to gain recognition. Today Borglum’s statues and sculptures are well known throughout different parts of the world. In Washington DC a statue of General Philip Sheridan can be found that was once referred to by Theodore Roosevelt as “first rate."
A Brief History
Gutzon Borglum along with help and support from his son Lincoln Borglum and 400 workers started sculpting the faces of four American presidents into the granite face of Mount Rushmore in 1927. The faces of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt were sculpted into the granite to celebrate 150 years of American history. Borglum completed monument after 14 years of hard work.
Explore Gutzon Borglum’s world at the Borglum Historical Center. From meeting the people who influenced the sculptor most to examining replicas of some of his greatest works, uncover what drove and inspired a man to do things that most men half his age were incapable of.
The Historical Borglum Tour
The Historical Borglum Tour provides guests with enriching information and an understanding of the history of Mount Rushmore. From who conceived the idea to the technicalities behind sculpting it, the Historical Borglum Tour provides all of the details behind Mount Rushmore. The self guided audio tour allows you to move throughout the large museum at your own pace. Get to know the family and close friends behind the artist, or hold your breath as you watch the terrifying scene of Borglum and his men as they work on Mount Rushmore with nothing to stop them from plummeting to the ground except for thin cables. All you have to do is point and click your wand at the exhibits throughout the Borglum tour that interest you most to hear interesting information.
The Lincoln Eye
The exact replica of the Lincoln Eye is not to be missed providing guests with the extraordinary opportunity to examine the Lincoln Eye up close. The pupil, a 20-inch shaft of granite looks as though it twinkles when the sun shines on it. Only the pure genius of Borglum could have designed such a realistic looking eye.
The Exclusive Borglum Film
Look back with former Senator Tom Daschle as he narrates the Borglum exclusive film. Not only does the interactive film allow you to ride to the top of Mount Rushmore in a cable car with Gutzon Borglum himself, but provides historic footage of workers carving the Mount Rushmore Memorial.