Update on iconic Central Quad sundial
The sundial has been removed for repairs; will return in the spring
Update on iconic Central Quad sundial
The sundial has been removed for repairs; will return in the spring
The Tri-Delta Sundial has been removed to be repaired and restored. It will be returned during spring semester, well before spring commencement.
The sundial’s base will have its concrete, stone, and bronze work repaired and restored, according to Tony Yunker, associate director of non-capital projects, in the Physical Facilities Department’s Planning, Architecture, and Engineering division.
The base restoration is likely to take place within the next month.
The flagstone plaza surrounding the sundial will be refinished in summer 2027. The plaza’s three brick and concrete benches will also be replaced with the new campus standard synthetic wood slat bench, according to Yunker.
The sundial has been a part of campus since 1962 when it was commissioned by the Delta Delta Delta sorority and gifted to Miami University to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Miami chapter.
The six-foot-tall bronze sculpture consists of six rings mounted on a marble pedestal. Along the outside of the equatorial ring are golden figures, marking the houses of the zodiac. On the inside of the equatorial ring are Roman numerals marking the hours. Signs of the Zodiac are portrayed in high relief on the band of the Equator. The shaft, representing the axis of the Earth, points to the North Star; its shadow on the belt of the equator indicates the hour. Cast metal turtles on the base symbolize the emblems of eternity.
The sundial was previously removed for repairs in 2010.
In 2019, its Taurus bull was stolen. Watch a short video in this campus news story about how a team of Miami staff, students, and alumni collaborated to replace it.