Take a look into the journey of Penn State’s Nittany Lion Shrine, from conception to modern renovations and repairs, and explore the traditions that have shaped this iconic symbol. Click through to discover the story behind one of Penn State’s most beloved landmarks.

The Nittany Lion Shrine is a large mountain lion sculpture carved by Heinz Warneke located at the University Park campus of Pennsylvania State University.

Oct 23, 2023 · Oct. 24 marks the anniversary of the dedication of Penn State's Nittany Lion shrine, a gift from the class of 1940. The statue of a mountain lion at University Park was created by sculptor Heinz Warneke in 1942 from a 13-ton block of Indiana limestone.

Feb 2, 2018 · Are you truly a Penn State student if you don’t take your picture with the Nittany Lion Shrine during freshman year and again in your cap and gown before graduation? For decades, proud Penn Staters have posed with the Lion while sporting poodle skirts in the fifties, bell bottoms in the seventies and “mom” jeans in the nineties.

Feb 24, 2022 · It may be difficult to imagine, but for most of Penn State’s history, there has been no Lion Shrine to speak of. While there was spirit and pride, there was not yet a sculpture to capture it.

Oct 24, 2017 · A small Nittany Lion statue with an oak base sells for almost $120 at the Penn State University Park Official Bookstore, while a 36-inch plastic lion statue goes for almost $180 at McLanahan’s. The lion had an adventure recently, during a 2014 “Connected For Life” video by FuseFX productions.

Welcome to Penn State Altoona! The Nittany Lion became Penn State’s mascot in 1904. With lion shrines at all Penn State campuses, it is not only a popular photo opportunity but reminds us that WE ARE Penn State, no matter what our campus location.

The embodiment of the Penn State spirit for many is the statue of the Nittany Lion, situated in a small grove of trees to the east of Rec Hall. It is quite likely the most photographed place on the campus.

The Nittany Lion Shrine is a beloved symbol and campus landmark of Penn State. It was a gift of the class of 1940. The Shrine memorializes the mountain lions that roamed the hills around Nittany Valley before the University was founded in 1855.

Sep 5, 2013 · The Nittany Lion Shrine, beloved Penn State landmark and the most photographed location on the University Park campus, is once again open for visitors after being closed for renovations since May.