Recently, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art acquired Louise Bourgeois’s “Maman” a large, bronze spider sculpture, measuring 30 ft. 5 in. x 33 ft. 7 in. For Bourgeois, the spider alludes to the strength of her mother, with connections to spinning, weaving, nurture, and protection. For Nabholz, it meant combining forces to get one giant spider (and priceless piece of artwork) in place!

Our construction, industrial, and equipment teams combined to tackle the challenging job. The schedule was tight; the museum closes only one day a week and they needed the exhibit installed in two weeks. The scope of work included demolishing existing concrete in the courtyard, pouring new concrete and placing footings for the sculpture, transporting the deconstructed spider into the courtyard by crane, assembling the spider, and pouring new concrete to complete the finished look. Different crews coordinated an around-the-clock work schedule that allowed Nabholz to finish on schedule while the museum operated as usual.

“Maman” has found a permanent home at Crystal Bridges, and is sure to delight and surprise the thousands of patrons who visit Crystal Bridges every month!

Want a visual? Check out the video above, courtesy of Crystal Bridges.