Ramesses II now at the U of M

 

(Memphis) There is a new big man on campus, Ramesses II now calls the University of Memphis home.

He stood tall outside the Pyramid for more than two decades.

“Last night, I took a picture of it at his last night in front of the Pyramid,” said Ed Masten who proudly watched the move Monday.

With the arrival of Bass Pro Shops, Ramesses II was brought down from his long-time, iconic home.

The 25-foot, two-and-half-ton statue slowly made his way down I-40 and through the city over to Central Ave.

Employees at the U of M say his new home is a natural fit with the university also housing a museum of Egyptian art and archaeology.

“I think it will bring a lot of attention here to the university. It’s a show stopper, I say. There might be a lot of accidents on Central because you have a big thing here now all of a sudden,” said onlooker Simone Wilson.

Monday, he definitely was a showstopper. Students like Jordan Bedford took time out of their busy class schedules to welcome the Egyptian pharaoh.

“To see all the changes happen right in front of me. It’s awesome, It’s really cool,” said Bedford.

It was also cool for neighbors in the area.

Ed Masten hurried over to snap a picture of Ramesses at his new home. He’s hoping it will bring more pride to the neighborhood.

“There he is already. It’s kind of exciting to have him sitting up there,” expressed Masten.

The University of Memphis is expected to dedicate the statue Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.