The 13-ton limestone block was donated by the Penn State Class of 1940.
Heinz Warneke was chosen for the commission after a national competition held by the university.
The statue is positioned on a stone base that was repurposed from the original Old Main entrance steps.
The mascot name 'Nittany' is derived from Mount Nittany, which overlooks the campus.
The shrine was designated as a gift to the university to commemorate the centennial celebration of the school's founding.
It is traditional for graduating seniors to be photographed with the lion as a rite of passage.
The lion's ears and nose have been smoothed over decades of visitors touching the sculpture for good luck.
The Nittany Lion Shrine is a limestone sculpture carved from a single 13-ton block of Indiana limestone by artist Heinz Warneke. Dedicated in 1942, it serves as the primary symbol of Pennsylvania State University and is situated near the center of the University Park campus. The statue depicts the Nittany Lion, a mountain lion subspecies once native to the local region. It acts as the traditional site for graduation photos and significant university events. The shrine is maintained as a permanent outdoor monument accessible throughout the year.
From the front slightly to the side to capture the profile of the lion against the wooded backdrop.
Visit during the early morning to avoid lines of students waiting for photos.
Check the university's academic calendar, as the site is extremely crowded during home football weekends and commencement weeks.
The area is shaded by large trees, making it a comfortable spot for a brief rest.
Attempting to climb on the statue, as it is fragile and historically significant.
