The Bryant Square Park dolphin shines again

Scott Engel is with the South Uptown Neighborhood Association 

The plastic wrap came off the dolphin mosaic sculpture at Bryant Square Park on Oct. 20, revealing a freshly restored sculpture for the neighborhood to enjoy for many years to come. 

This summer, people noticed that several sections of the mosaic tiles were missing or crumbling off the sculpture, and vandalism was suspected. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association wrapped the sculpture in plastic until work could be done. 

Dedicated neighborhood association volunteers have been hard at work since August to bring the dolphin back to life. Efforts included applying a new base layer to damaged sections, cutting and installing replacement tiles, and re-grouting the entire sculpture. 

Thank you to volunteers Kellie and Greg for leading this effort, and to Sarah, Jessie, Mary Ann, Laura, Katherine, Brad and Carol for rolling up their sleeves to help. 

Dolphin sculpture history 

The South Uptown Neighborhood Association originally partnered with the Park Board to preserve the concrete dolphin in 2018 when the park’s wading pool was replaced. 

The dolphin was originally a fountain feature that sprayed water out of its nose. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Uptown Neighborhood Association worked with the Park Board and artist Sharra Frank to repurpose it as a sculpture, covering it in the mosaic tile artwork. 

South Uptown volunteers worked with Frank to cut and apply tile creating the sculpture we see today.

This restoration was made possible in part by financial contributions to the South Uptown Neighborhood Association, which allowed us to act quickly and purchase the tile, grout and other supplies needed for the 2026 repair.

Thank you for helping us care for the places and public art that make our neighborhood special. Be sure to stop by Bryant Square Park and welcome our refreshed dolphin back.