A Historic Homecoming on Hamilton Street
This October, the streets of downtown Allentown came alive with excitement as city officials, community leaders, and residents gathered on the 900 block of Hamilton Street to witness the unveiling of a breathtaking new landmark: a replica of the Eros and Psyche statue.
This 8-foot marble sculpture, also known as The Abduction of Psyche, once graced the grand foyer of the Rialto Theater, which opened in 1921 at 943 Hamilton Street. For decades, the statue welcomed theatergoers under soaring 25-foot ceilings, until the theater’s demolition in 1986 led to the loss of its most cherished feature. Its return—after nearly four decades—marks a powerful cultural revival in Allentown’s urban core.
A Symbol of Myth, Memory, and Art
The statue depicts Eros, the Greek god of love, carrying Psyche, a mortal whose beauty rivaled the divine. Sculptor Antonio Batillo captured this dramatic scene with incredible craftsmanship: Eros poised with his bow and quiver, Psyche draped gracefully across his arm.
To Allentown residents, however, this work of art symbolizes far more than mythology. It represents continuity between the city’s vibrant past and its modern renaissance. From theaters that once defined Hamilton Street to the new Archer Music Hall, the statue has returned to its “original home” as a beacon of urban excellence and civic pride.
Our Role: Bringing History Back to Life
At Finest Sculpture, we were honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of recreating this cultural treasure. Reproducing a piece with such historical and emotional weight required:
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Extensive research into the original artwork, archival photographs, and historical records.
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Expert craftsmanship to balance accuracy with durability, ensuring the replica statue can withstand time and weather in its new urban setting.
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Modern techniques fused with traditional artistry, allowing us to capture both the fine detail and monumental presence of the original piece.
For us, this custom project was more than a commission—it was a mission to revive a piece of Allentown’s collective memory and gift it back to the community.
Public Art and Allentown’s Cultural Renaissance
Mayor Matt Tuerk called the statue “absolutely beautiful,” noting that public art makes Allentown more inviting and attractive.
Pennsylvania Revenue Secretary Pat Browne, who helped secure funding through the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority, emphasized the role of cultural projects in urban renewal.
The return of Eros and Psyche joins other improvements in the downtown streetscape—new lighting at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Arts Walk connector, and the boutique Moxy Hotel—making Allentown a destination for culture, creativity, and community life.
Public art does more than beautify; it creates places people want to be in. As City Center President J.B. Reilly explained, it is “a critical part of creating vibrant spaces.”
Looking Ahead: Sculpture as a Bridge Between Past and Future
This project demonstrates the power of sculpture to transcend time. By recreating the Eros and Psyche statue, we helped bring back a cherished landmark, reconnecting generations of Allentown residents with their city’s cultural heritage.
At Finest Sculpture, we believe every community deserves its own symbols. From replicas of classical masterpieces to contemporary public art commissions, our work is dedicated to transforming spaces into destinations of meaning and beauty.
If your city, organization, institution and home is considering an art project, you can absolutely connect with us. Together, we can create sculptures that inspire, uplift, and endure.
👉 Explore our sculpture works and contact us today to begin your project.
