Rollins College has unveiled a new bronze sculpture of Mister Rogers, “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor,” which honors beloved alumnus Fred McFeely Rogers ‘51. It is already an instant community favorite. On Friday, October 29th, visitors viewed the sculpture and were able to meet with the artist Paul Day and John Rogers, Fred’s son. Younger visitors also took photos with display characters from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.”
“My hope is that this piece will bring joy and inspiration to many people, just as ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ did for generations,” Paul Day said as he shared his aspirations for his new sculpture honoring Fred Rogers at Rollins College.
The 360-degree sculpture is located in the Chapel Garden courtyard next to the Annie Russell Theatre, behind the Virginia S. Nelson Rose Garden. Standing over seven feet tall and weighing more than 3,000 pounds, the sculpture depicts Rogers in his iconic sweater and sneakers, surrounded by children, hand puppets from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” lyrics from the series’ theme song and the show’s Neighborhood Trolley.
“This inspirational sculpture will be a permanent reminder of the ideals and values modeled by Mister Rogers as he set out to make the world a better place,” said Rollins President Grant Cornwell. “This tribute will reinforce the quest for empathy, acceptance and kindness so needed in our society today.”
Additional events taking place to celebrate the sculpture unveiling include The Mister Rogers Walking Tour. The sculpture is now the fifth stop on Rollins’ Mister Rogers Walking Tour. This self-guided tour will be available 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and runs through November 23rd. Tour maps can be picked up at Olin Library, Stop 1 on the tour. Please wear a face mask when entering buildings on Rollins’ campus.
