The public unveiling of a statue commemorating the life of Chris Cornell took place yesterday (Oct. 7) in the singer's hometown of Seattle. The life-sized memorial will stand at the south entrance of the city's Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP).

Commissioned by Cornell's widow, Vicky Cornell, the bronze statue was sculpted by artist Nick Marra and showcases the rock legend in one of his iconic poses. The piece is being donated to MoPOP.

"MoPOP is honored to receive this gift from Vicky Cornell and pay tribute to one of the most powerful and important voices in popular music," said MoPop artistic director Jasen Emmons in a statement. "MoPOP serves to celebrate the Seattle music scene and the luminaries who have emerged from the Northwest and Chris was a key figure who has made a lasting impact on generations worldwide."

“As an artist, my husband was not only one of the greatest voices in rock history but also one of the greatest and most prolific poets of his time. His contribution to music birthed a movement that would leave an indelible mark on popular music forever," Vicky Cornell said in a statement. "It only makes sense that I donate this statue to MoPop with their dedication to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture. Like my husband and his music, MoPop reaches multi-generational audiences, and this is the perfect place where people near and far can come together to not only support the museum and its programs, but also celebrate the legacy that my husband left behind, not only in Seattle but around the world."

Attending the unveiling ceremony, which can be viewed above, were Cornell's three children and the surviving members of his band Soundgarden. Following the event, footage of a special Soundgarden performance at The Wiltern, captured by the Artist Den, was screened inside MoPOP’s Sky Church. For those who couldn't get into the sold-out showing, the film will be screened at MoPOP’s JBL Theater today and tomorrow (Oct. 8–9), free with admission to the museum.

Cornell Statue Poster
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