What’s The Deal With The Giant Soup Can at CSU?

If you've ever taken a drive down Remington Street in Fort Collins, you've probably noticed the gigantic red and white Campbell's soup can that sits in front of CSU's University Center for the Arts...because you can't really miss it. But what's the story behind that massive soup can?

Colorado State University's museum explained that three large soup cans were created under the planning and instruction of Andy Warhol. The collaboration between the university and famous artist came about to help commemorate the opening of the Warhol at Colorado State University exhibit.

Warhol personally signed the three cans when he visited CSU's art building on September 1, 1981.

One of the soup cans sat in the front lawn of the Department of Art building until the late 80s.

In September 2008, that can was taken down and reinstalled in the UCA Sculpture Garden at 1400 Remington Street.

In 2013, the piece of art was briefly removed for a few months. During this time, it was sent to Los Angeles for some much needed restoration. Special care was taken to conserve Warhol's signature.

The can's restoration was funded by a generous donation from Denver art patrons, J. Landis and Sharon Martin. Landis and Martin expressed their desire to assist with the restoration process after noticing rust and deterioration on the sculpture, while on a campus tour.

Today, it serves as both a sentimental and historical landmark to the university.