An art installation and functional book share station originally installed in 2015 on Monument Circle, Monument was reinstalled on the Meridian St. side of the Central Library campus in 2023. Originally painted a vibrant green, for the reinstallation it was painted a brilliant orange.

“Monument” was created by Brian McCutcheon for The Public Collection, a public art and literacy project developed by Rachel M. Simon with support from the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. It stood on the northwest quadrant of Monument Circle between August 2015 and September 2019. The Herbert Simon Family Foundation supported the 2023 reinstallation.

Although moved to Central Library, the installation continues The Public Collection’s goals of improving literacy, fostering appreciation for the arts, and promoting social and educational justice.  The piece’s support structure holds up an 1894 Mark Twain quote suggesting that books and libraries offer a more durable monument to society and culture than do traditional stone edifices.

Brian McCutcheon is the founder of Ignition Arts and is an Indianapolis-based sculptor.