The Awakening in National Harbor, Maryland (Oxon Hill) is an outdoor sculpture by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. that depicts a giant embedded in the earth, struggling to free himself from the sand below.
The 72-foot sculpture is made up of five separate aluminum pieces, each representing a different limb, that are buried in the ground. Each is meticulously placed to make it look like the bearded giant is trying to desperately to break through the man-made beach he was placed on.
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The Awakening was originally dedicated in 1980 at Hains Point in East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C. as part of the city’s 11th annual Sculpture Conference. In 2007, real estate developer Milton Peterson purchased the sculpture for more than $700,000 and, in 2007, moved it to National Harbor to be the centerpiece of the town’s living art walk.
National Harbor, Maryland, is a vibrant waterfront development located along the Potomac River, just south of Washington, D.C. Opened in 2008, it transformed a stretch of previously undeveloped land into a bustling hub for entertainment, dining, shopping, and recreation. The area is known for its scenic views of the river and easy accessibility, offering something for everyone, from family attractions like The Capital Wheel and the National Harbor Carousel to a dynamic mix of hotels, restaurants, shops, and conference centers. One of its standout features is its commitment to public art. Outdoor sculptures, murals, and installations dot the landscape, including many by J. Seward Johnson, Jr.
J. Seward Johnson, Jr. (also known as John Seward Johnson II or Seward Johnson), was an American artist and sculptor known for his life-like and often larger-than-life bronze sculptures that capture ordinary moments in extraordinary ways. Born in 1930 and a member of the Johnson & Johnson family, he turned to art after initially working in the family business. His work often focuses on bringing everyday scenes to life with a sense of hyper-realism, such as people sitting on park benches or reading newspapers. Other sculptures depicted famous people or artworks, like Marilyn Monroe or American Gothic. His sculptures invite interaction, encouraging viewers to step into the scenes and engage with the pieces as if they were part of the artwork. One of his most famous works, The Awakening, a monumental sculpture of a man struggling to emerge from the earth, has become a landmark at National Harbor, Maryland. Here, The Awakening anchors a dynamic outdoor art scene, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate art in an accessible and engaging public space.
As with many Seward Johnson pieces, additional copies of The Awakening can also be found across the globe. You can find others at Chesterfield Central Park Chesterfield, Missouri; Hopewill, New Jersey; and a fiberglass version (dubbed Il Risveglio) was exhibited in Italy before settling in Viterbo.
Take a wander to check out this version of The Awakening. Then take a self-guided tour to see all the other outdoor art in National Harbor, like America’s Team — Protecting Your Freedom, the American Way Visionary Sculptures, Holding Out, and Embracing Peace (The Kiss).
Photos of The Awakening Sculpture in National Harbor, Maryland
