Tech entrepreneurs are increasingly obsessed with building monumental statues, transforming public art into a statement of wealth, influence, and legacy. Far beyond philanthropy, these ambitious projects aim to leave a lasting mark on the American landscape. From towering tributes to Greek gods to colossal representations of founding fathers, Silicon Valley leaders treat monuments as symbols of cultural and personal significance.
Their designs combine classical aesthetics, advanced materials, and inspiration from civilizations around the world, reflecting a fascination with legacy and human achievement at its peak. Exploring this trend reveals how tech leaders perceive power, history, and the art of immortalizing themselves in stone and metal.
Modern-Day Monuments Men
At least four high-profile figures are emerging as modern-day Monuments Men. Bitcoin mining enthusiast Ross Calvin aims to build a 450-foot-tall statue of the Greek god Prometheus on Alcatraz Island. Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir and longtime associate of Peter Thiel, favors sculptures with classical aesthetics. Angel investor Elad Gil has launched a project called Monumental, designed to finance large-scale statues. And Mo Mahmood, founder of More Monuments, is planning some of the most ambitious constructions of the group.
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Calvin’s Vision: Prometheus on Alcatraz
Among these, Calvin’s vision appears the most fully formed. He reportedly intends to lobby former President Donald Trump’s team to reclassify Alcatraz as a national monument rather than a national park—a move that would allow him to build a 30-story Prometheus statue. The design, crafted from nickel-bronze alloy, would dwarf the 305-foot Statue of Liberty and be visible throughout the Bay Area. The monument would also feature an accompanying technology museum, with an estimated price tag of $450 million.
Lonsdale’s Classical Approach
Lonsdale’s focus differs slightly: while he is less concerned with sheer size, he prioritizes aesthetics and classical design. Bloomberg notes that Lonsdale has already commissioned sculptures including the Three Graces, a trio of Greek goddesses, and a neoclassical bust of Bari Weiss displayed at the University of Austin, which he co-founded. Identifying himself as a “classical aestheticist,” Lonsdale also supports the National Monuments Foundation, led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr., a former Trump appointee to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.
Gil’s Monumental Vision
Meanwhile, Elad Gil approaches the statue craze from a venture perspective. His project, Monumental, first discussed on the podcast “My First Million,” is more about funding than personally designing monuments. Gil’s goal is to create statues that celebrate humanity’s peak civilizations, inspired not only by Western traditions but also by structures like Aztec and Mayan temples, the Sphinx of Giza, and the Great Wall of China. “Civilizations at their peak build monuments to the future,” Gil noted—though he remains vague about what comes after that peak.
Mahmood’s Ambition: George Washington Tower
Mo Mahmood takes scale to the extreme. He envisions a 650-foot statue of George Washington, though for now, he is starting with a 50-foot version scheduled for unveiling on July 4, 2026, marking America’s 250th anniversary. Mahmood already has experience with monumental constructions: his company built a 54-foot oil derrick statue, now the largest monument in the Austin, Texas area.
Political Allies and Federal Support
Though these projects might seem eccentric—or even absurd—they are not without potential allies in Washington. Former President Trump has already allocated $40 million to the National Garden of American Heroes, a massive installation expected to feature more than 250 statues of iconic American figures. Plans also reportedly include a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., positioned opposite the Lincoln Memorial. Trump’s taste for grandiose, visually striking projects suggests he could be a receptive audience for these tech-backed ventures.
Motivations Behind Monumental Projects
The motivations driving these statue projects are diverse. For Calvin, the goal is as much about legacy as it is spectacle, with Prometheus symbolizing human innovation and technological advancement. Lonsdale emphasizes classical aesthetics and cultural preservation. Gil focuses on financing future-oriented symbolism, while Mahmood leans into sheer scale and historical homage.
Critics argue these endeavors are extravagant exercises in self-aggrandizement, requiring enormous resources, lobbying, and regulatory navigation. Yet supporters claim monuments are essential cultural markers, celebrating human achievement and national identity. From this perspective, tech moguls see themselves not just as financiers but as curators of history, attempting to cement their vision of civilization in stone and metal.
Design, Scale, and Symbolism
The planned monuments reflect both classical and fantastical styles. Calvin’s Prometheus merges myth and machine, while Lonsdale’s sculptures echo Greco-Roman elegance. Gil’s Monumental draws global inspiration, and Mahmood’s Washington seeks to rival any American monument for scale and symbolism.
The timing of these projects intersects with larger political and cultural currents. Monuments are no longer neutral; they carry ideological weight. Funded by wealthy tech figures with political leanings, these statues could influence public perception of history, heroism, and national identity for generations.
Challenges Ahead
From a practical standpoint, these projects face significant hurdles. Securing land, navigating permitting processes, and financing large-scale constructions are major challenges. Calvin’s Alcatraz proposal alone requires federal reclassification. Even smaller projects, like Mahmood’s 50-foot Washington, demand meticulous planning, engineering, and logistics.
Despite these obstacles, the scale and ambition of these projects captivate the imagination. In an era dominated by technology, this resurgence of monumental sculpture highlights humanity’s fascination with legacy, visibility, and symbolic power. The tech world’s new obsession—massive statues of gods, historical figures, and abstract ideals—blends innovation, wealth, and personal vision into tangible cultural artifacts.
The Future of American Monuments
Whether these statues become enduring landmarks or remain visionary concepts depends on politics, public opinion, and financial backing. One thing is clear: the era of tech-backed monuments has begun. Silicon Valley moguls, with immense resources and bold ambitions, are reshaping American public art, leaving a legacy that is as controversial as it is colossal.
These monuments reflect more than the individuals funding them—they mirror the aspirations, contradictions, and sometimes absurdities of American culture. From Alcatraz to Austin, the next chapter of monumental art may well be written by today’s tech titans, defining how future generations view the values, myths, and icons that shape the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the tech investors behind America’s new monumental statues?
Key figures include Ross Calvin, Joe Lonsdale, Elad Gil, and Mo Mahmood. They are investing in large-scale monuments across the U.S., blending art, technology, and political influence.
What is Ross Calvin’s Prometheus statue project?
Ross Calvin plans to build a 450-foot-tall statue of the Greek god Prometheus on Alcatraz Island. The monument would include a technology museum and be visible across the Bay Area.
How is Joe Lonsdale involved in monument building?
Joe Lonsdale focuses on aesthetics and classical design. He has commissioned sculptures like the Three Graces and a neoclassical bust of Bari Weiss, emphasizing Greco-Roman artistic traditions.
What is Elad Gil’s Monumental project?
Elad Gil’s Monumental project aims to finance statues that celebrate civilizations at their peak. He draws inspiration from global structures like Mayan temples, the Great Wall of China, and the Sphinx of Giza.
What are Mo Mahmood’s plans for George Washington monuments?
Mo Mahmood envisions a 650-foot statue of George Washington, with a 50-foot version set to debut on July 4, 2026, marking America’s 250th anniversary. His company has already completed a 54-foot oil derrick statue in Austin, Texas.
Are these statue projects politically connected?
Yes. Some projects have potential support from former President Donald Trump, who allocated $40 million to the National Garden of American Heroes, featuring over 250 statues of iconic Americans.
What challenges do tech-backed monument projects face?
Key obstacles include securing land, navigating federal regulations, obtaining permits, financing construction, and managing engineering and logistical complexities for large-scale statues.
Conclusion
The rise of tech-backed monumental statues marks a fascinating intersection of wealth, ambition, and cultural influence. From Ross Calvin’s towering Prometheus to Mo Mahmood’s George Washington tribute, these projects reflect not only the personal visions of their creators but also broader ideas about legacy, national identity, and the values we choose to celebrate.