Winged Figures of the Republic

Overview

Two soaring bronze guardians flank a 142‑foot flagpole on Hoover Dam’s Monument Plaza. Hansen’s “Winged Figures” aren’t just photo bait—they’re a statement piece about calm intellect and raw power behind the dam’s creation. You can admire them without taking a tour, and there’s an on‑site audio loop that explains what you’re looking at.

What You’ll See

• Twin 30‑foot bronzes set on polished black diorite, their forms lean and eagle‑like.
• A terrazzo celestial map underfoot that encodes the Nevada sky from September 30, 1935—the dam’s dedication—so future generations can pinpoint that date by the stars.
• Nearby touches: a zodiac‑framed compass, a memorial to the 96 workers who died building the dam, and bas‑relief panels on the elevator towers (benefits of the dam on the Nevada side; regional tribes on the Arizona side).

How They Were Made

Each figure’s bronze shell is 5/8 inch thick and weighs over four tons, poured in a continuous cast at about 2,500°F into massive sand molds. The diorite blocks were lowered onto temporary ice blocks so workers could micro‑adjust their placement as the ice melted—old‑school precision that protected the mirror finish.

Visiting Logistics

• Location: Monument Plaza on the Nevada side, just outside the main facilities—no building entry required.
• Hours: The plaza is commonly visited during dam operating hours (about 9 AM–5 PM).
• Facilities: Closest restrooms are in the Nevada‑side parking garage (Level 1/bus area). Visitor Center restrooms are available when that building is open; those facilities are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. The free bridge lot up the hill also has basic toilets if you start there.
• Parking: The Nevada‑side garage is the most convenient; oversize vehicles use Arizona Lots 9, 13, or 14.

Current Conditions

Expect renovation fencing around the plaza; several visitors report limited access, with completion targeted for spring 2025. Bring a zoom lens if you want detail shots while the area is cordoned off.

Photo Tips

Morning light throws softer, flattering shadows on the bronzes; late afternoon can work too. Don’t forget to shoot the star map—an elevated step or stair helps capture the full pattern.

Best Time to Visit

Go early or late in the day for gentler light and fewer people. Midday, especially in summer, is punishingly hot and the plaza feels exposed. If you’re touring the dam, plan a quick plaza stop before or after your timed entry so you’re not rushed.