Culture in Stone

Every city should have at least one pair.

Lions are popular. New York City has them guard the library. Chicago positioned them at sentries at the Art Museum.

St. Louis put a different twist on the tradition. They went with bears. At the Opera House.

This photo was taken on a February Saturday. The downtown area was quiet. Just a few tourists heading for attractions a few blocks away. But they can be fun-loving bears. More than once, exuberant sports fans (possible under the influence) have asked the accommodating stone guardians to “hold my beer”, “on your nose”.