• The statue behind the Fine Arts Staircase is known as Moses, and was the first piece in the University’s renowned art collection.
• Moses was originally cast in Florence in 1966 by Romanian born Canadian sculptor Sorel Etrog, and its journey here is an interesting one.
• Moses was transported from Italy to Montreal and showcased at the 1967 Expo.
• There, it caught the attention of Dr. Van Christou who asked Charles Bronfman, the CEO of House of Seagram’s, for an art piece to commemorate the opening of the U of L.
• Moses stayed on the “Man and his World” site until 1968, which was where the exhibits were hosted at Expo site after the conclusion of the exhibition.
• Moses was installed at the U of L in 1972, in time for the campus’ grand opening.
• Moses used to be on the outside patio outside of UHall but the harsh climate was hard on the sculpture and it was taken down in 1977 for substantial repairs.
• In 1981 when the Performing Arts Centre was nearing completion, Moses was lowered through an unfinished roof to its final resting place.

This stopping point also highlights the University of Lethbridge Art Gallery located directly behind the Moses statue.

• The Art Gallery has been located in its current space since construction of the building in 1981.
• Houses a number of exhibitions and gallery art in partnership with local community and cultural organizations.
• Art collection has over 13,000 objects, one of the most significant collections in Canada including pieces by Picasso and Andy Warhol.