UC Davis Egghead sculptures - Image 1
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Egghead Sculptures UC Davis

3.4
·5 reviews·Davis, United States

Iconic 'Egghead' sculptures by Robert Arneson, scattered across UC Davis campus, offering a quirky and engaging art exploration.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for photos

CrowdLow
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UC Davis Egghead sculptures - Image 1

Egghead Sculptures UC Davis

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for photos

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 'Egghead' sculptures by Robert Arneson, scattered across UC Davis campus, offering a quirky and engaging art exploration.

3.4
(5 reviews)

"These giant, thought-provoking sculptures are a fun and free way to explore the beautiful UC Davis campus!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🗺️ Campus Map is Key

Grab a campus map to easily locate all five Eggheads. They're spread out, so planning helps! :world_map:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between sculptures. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

3.4 · 5 reviews

Type

Sculpture

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bookhead

Bookhead

Near Shields Library

This intellectual giant, often found near the library, embodies the 'egghead' concept perfectly.

Stargazer

Stargazer

East side of North Hall

Gaze upwards with this sculpture, a favorite for its contemplative pose and starry night connection.

Eye of Mrak (Fatal Laff)

Eye of Mrak (Fatal Laff)

Near Mrak Hall

A striking and memorable piece, this sculpture is known for its bold presence on campus.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

Near the Art Building

This pair of sculptures offers a playful and thought-provoking artistic statement.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Quirky Art

These iconic 'Egghead' sculptures by Robert Arneson are a must-see at UC Davis. They've sparked conversation since 1994 and are a unique campus landmark. Plan for a leisurely stroll to find all five!

Free Campus Exploration

The Egghead sculptures are scattered across the UC Davis campus and are completely free to visit. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the beautiful grounds between each unique piece.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for art
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Since their completion in 1994, the five sculptures comprising the Egghead Series on the UC Davis campus have elicited joy, protest, engagement and conversation. They’re also a fascinating entry point into the broader story of art in California and at UC Davis. Distributed by @kviepbs public television, Unexpected Legends: Arneson, Eggheads and Arts at UC Davis tells the surprising tale of the U...
ucdavis
505 likes • 33.9K views

🗺️ Campus Map is Key

Grab a campus map to easily locate all five Eggheads. They're spread out, so planning helps! :world_map:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between sculptures. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Location⤵️ 📍UC Davis Eggheads 1 Shields Ave, Davis, California ⚡️ Free to visit! The five installations are: 1- See No Evil, Hear No Evil 2- Eye of Mrak 3- Bookhead 4- Yin & Yang 5- Stargazer ⚡️ Interesting Fact: The Egghead sculptures at UC Davis were created by Robert Arneson, a renowned American sculptor and longtime professor in the university’s Art Department. Known for his role in the Funk A...
california_vlog
10 likes • 618 views
Today UC Davis is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Robert Arneson’s Egghead sculptures located on the UC Davis campus. This video is from a three-part documentary series recounting the history of the UC Davis art department. Robert Arneson created the egghead sculptures on the motif of the slang term “egghead,” referring to intellectuals and academics. Arneson taught at UC Davis for four decade...
georgeadamsgallery
0 likes • 547 views

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Each sculpture offers unique photo opportunities. Get creative with your angles! :camerawithflash:

💡 Learn Their Stories

Each Egghead has a history. Look for informational plaques or research online beforehand! 💡

If you’ve walked by Shields Library, you may have come across one of Robert Arneson’s Egghead sculptures called Bookhead. But have you ever wondered where it came from? STREAM member Berit sheds some light on this Egghead’s history and lore. #OurUCDavis | #UCDavisEggheads Video description: UC Davis student is in front of Peter J. Shields Library and the Bookhead Egghead talking into a mini mic...
ucdavis
929 likes • 46.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Campus Map is Key

Grab a campus map to easily locate all five Eggheads. They're spread out, so planning helps! :world_map:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between sculptures. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Each sculpture offers unique photo opportunities. Get creative with your angles! :camerawithflash:

💡 Learn Their Stories

Each Egghead has a history. Look for informational plaques or research online beforehand! 💡

What Travellers Say

3.4
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Egghead sculptures to be a unique and engaging aspect of the UC Davis campus, appreciating their artistic merit and the opportunity for exploration. While some find them quirky and thought-provoking, others might be surprised by their scale and placement. The free access and campus setting are consistently praised.

"Stargazer Egghead. Who doesn’t like starry nights?"

Ivan Martinez

"Stargazing egghead"

m g

""

Gary Osterloh

What People Like

Unique campus art
Free to visit
Great for walking

What People Dislike

Spread out across campus

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Egghead sculptures are located across the UC Davis campus. You can drive and park in designated visitor lots, or take public transportation to reach the campus. Once on campus, they are accessible by walking. Instagram

Yes, UC Davis has several visitor parking lots. Check the university's parking services website for locations and fees. Parking can be busy during weekdays. Instagram

Absolutely! UC Davis is a very bike-friendly campus. There are numerous bike racks available near the sculptures and campus buildings. Instagram

Yes, various Yolo Bus routes serve the UC Davis campus, making it accessible via public transportation from surrounding areas. Instagram

Using a campus map is highly recommended. You can find physical maps on campus or use the online interactive map to plan your route efficiently. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Egghead sculptures are part of the UC Davis campus and are free for everyone to view and enjoy. Instagram

The sculptures are outdoors and accessible at any time, as they are part of the public campus grounds. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter the UC Davis campus. Parking fees may apply if you are driving. Instagram

Yes, you can visit the Eggheads anytime. However, campus events might affect parking availability or access to certain areas. Instagram

While official guided tours specifically for the Eggheads might be limited, student groups like STREAM sometimes offer insights. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and fewer crowds. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of the campus environment. Instagram

Experiment with different angles, include the campus architecture in the background, or capture the sculptures in different weather conditions for unique shots. Instagram

Drone usage on campus is typically restricted. It's best to check UC Davis's official policies regarding drone operation. Instagram

The campus is generally lit, but specific lighting for the sculptures may vary. Night photography might be challenging without dedicated lighting. Instagram

🎫 💡 Art & History

The Egghead sculptures were created by renowned American sculptor and UC Davis professor Robert Arneson. Instagram+1

The term 'egghead' refers to intellectuals. Arneson used this motif to explore themes of academia, intellect, and the human form. Instagram

The five sculptures were completed and installed on the UC Davis campus in 1994, and 2024 marks their 30th anniversary. Instagram+1

The sculptures are refurbished every five years by the Walla Walla Foundry, which includes cleaning, repatination, and waxing. Instagram

You can find more information through UC Davis art department resources, documentaries about the art at UC Davis, and gallery archives. Instagram+1

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