Michigan State University, East Lansing 1958

This authentic 1950s color photograph, captured in 1958, features the legendary Spartan Statue (affectionately known as “Sparty”) on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The archival image documents the original 1945 terra cotta sculpture by Leonard Jungwirth, positioned on its tiered brick pedestal within a landscaped traffic circle. In the background, the rising concrete stands of Spartan Stadium are clearly visible beyond the campus trees and a parking lot filled with late-fifties American automobiles. The stadium, originally opened in 1923, had recently undergone a significant expansion in 1957 to increase its seating capacity, a change reflected in its mid-century profile seen here. While the original terra cotta statue was replaced with a bronze replica in 2005 to protect it from the elements, the original remains preserved inside the Spartan Stadium atrium. Both the stadium and the statue’s location remain central landmarks of the MSU campus today. This factual record preserves the mid-century athletic heritage and iconic collegiate atmosphere of Michigan State during the late fifties. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.