The University of Pennsylvania installed “Rui Rui” on campus in late 2025, a monumental addition to the Penn Art Collection. At 23 feet tall and 19,608 pounds, the cast-iron bust is a quiet giant whose mirage-like exterior belies its solid construction. The work of Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa, the massive form is modeled and named after his daughter-in-law and continues the artist’s contemplation of the human head in awe-inspiring scale.
The sculpture is the gift of Wharton alumnus Glenn Fuhrman, W’87, WG’88, and his wife Amanda Fuhrman, C’95, both of whom are philanthropists and long-standing patrons of the arts.
Image Credit: Brian Kantorek
“Penn is a place for cultural and creative vitality, for anyone who walks onto our campus. The sculptures across our grounds exemplify that ethos: they are for students, for Philadelphia, for all,” said Penn President J. Larry Jameson at the sculpture’s unveiling in Harrison Garden, a leafy oasis adjacent to the Penn Museum and the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs. “We are deeply grateful to Glenn and Amanda for sharing our vision and bringing this inspirational work of art to Penn.
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Posted: December 26, 2025
