(1916-2009)

Ralph Lanning’s sculpture garden located in Republic, MO, along Highway 60, had been a roadside attraction for nearly half a century. Lanning died in 2009, leaving behind a large collection of concrete sculptures. He hoped his sculpture garden would become a museum, but without a will Lanning’s wishes were never recorded. 

Unable to be safe in situ, Kohler Foundation, with the help of preservationist John Foster, purchased forty-four sculptures at Lanning's estate sale.

After careful and extensive conservation, the Lanning sculptures were gifted to Missouri State University in 2010 for installation on campus. Although not able to be preserved in situ, Lanning would be pleased to know the sculptures are accessible to the public and inspirational to students.