The University of Pennsylvania has unveiled a monumental new sculpture that adds to Philadelphia's growing collection of public art. The massive artwork, titled "Rui Rui," stands 23 feet tall and weighs 19,608 pounds, making it an impressive addition to the campus landscape. The cast-iron bust was created by internationally acclaimed Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa and was officially revealed on November 8, 2025.

The sculpture was made possible through a generous donation from Penn alumni Glenn and Amanda Fuhrman, who are well-known philanthropists and longtime supporters of the arts. Despite its solid cast-iron construction, the sculpture creates a striking visual effect with its mirage-like exterior appearance that seems to contrast with its substantial weight and size. The work is both modeled after and named for Plensa's daughter-in-law, continuing the artist's ongoing exploration of the human head rendered at an awe-inspiring scale.

The unveiling ceremony took place in Harrison Garden, a peaceful green space located next to the Penn Museum and the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs. Penn President J. Larry Jameson spoke at the dedication, emphasizing the university's commitment to cultural and creative excellence. "Penn is a place for cultural and creative vitality, for anyone who walks onto our campus," Jameson said. "The sculptures across our grounds exemplify that ethos: they are for students, for Philadelphia, for all. We are deeply grateful to Glenn and Amanda for sharing our vision and bringing this inspirational work of art to Penn."

Jaume Plensa has built an international reputation for his public sculptures, which can be found in major cities across Spain, France, Japan, England, South Korea, Germany, and Canada. At Penn, "Rui Rui" joins another significant work in the university's collection: "Brick House" by artist Simone Leigh, which the Fuhrmans loaned to the university in 2020. Both sculptures have notable histories, having debuted at Venice Biennales before becoming permanent campus landmarks.

Lynn Smith Dolby, who serves as director of the Penn Art Collection, highlighted the significance of bringing Plensa's work to Philadelphia. "Rui Rui is the first public work by Jaume Plensa in Philadelphia," Smith Dolby explained. "We are honored that it is joining not just the Penn Art Collection and Penn's sculpture gardens, but our city's famed tradition of artistic exploration."

The Fuhrman couple expressed their personal connection to the artwork and their excitement about sharing it with the Penn community. Amanda Fuhrman recalled their first encounter with the piece, saying, "When we first saw Rui Rui in Venice, we were immediately impressed by how the sculpture embodied both gravity and transcendence. We are so excited to share this great work with the Penn students and the city of Philadelphia."

For Glenn Fuhrman, the donation holds special personal significance due to his history with the university. "Bringing Rui Rui to Penn holds particular significance," he explained. "This campus is where I first discovered my love of art as a student, and Rui Rui is a masterpiece that I believe will inspire that same appreciation in generations of students to come."

Both donors have impressive backgrounds that demonstrate their commitment to education and the arts. Amanda Fuhrman graduated from Penn in 1995 and worked as an attorney with the prestigious law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, though she no longer practices law. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in The Spirituality Mind Body area of focus at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her philanthropic work includes serving as deputy executive director of The Millennium Promise Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating extreme poverty. She currently serves as a Trustee of the Brooklyn Museum and co-founded The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence.

Glenn Fuhrman's connection to Penn runs deep, having studied both finance and art history there. He received his bachelor's degree from Penn in 1987 and earned his MBA from the prestigious Wharton School the following year. Professionally, he is one of the founders and managing partners of Tru Arrow Partners and also founded and leads Virtru Investment Partners as CEO. His extensive involvement in cultural and medical institutions includes serving as a Trustee of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the Museum of Modern Art, and the TATE Americas Foundation. He also sits on the boards of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, the Central Park Conservancy, and Gagosian Gallery, among other prestigious organizations. In 2007, he established The FLAG Art Foundation in New York City, creating an independent space dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions.