BOSTON (WHDH) –
After nearly two months, the lion and unicorn statues once again sit atop the old State House in Boston.
There has been a major void at the old State House. The famed golden lion and silver unicorn statues have been perched on the corners of Boston’s oldest public building since 1901, but were taken down September to undergo extensive restoration.
“The transformation of both animals under the able hands of our conservator Bob Shore is simply astounding,” said Brian Lemay of the Bostonian Society.
Shore, the artist who restored the statues, removed the dents and blemishes from the copper bodies. He then coated the lion with gold leaf and the unicorn with palladium, which won’t tarnish over time like the old silver coating.
The removal, restoration and reinstallation process cost around $100,000, according to officials.
Along with the statues is another addition: a new time capsule in the freshly painted scroll.
Inside the time capsule is a red box that will be opened in around 100 years. Items include an iPhone, Red Sox memorabilia, a Mike’s Pastry box (minus the cannolis), photos of Mayors Walsh and Menino, a copy of The Boston Globe and a 2013 Boston Marathon medal.