Iconic ‘Matilde’ statue moved to artist’s garden during Walla Walla Library expansion
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — Matilde, the whimsical bronze cow that has greeted patrons at the Walla Walla Public Library for years, has officially taken a temporary leave of absence to make way for the future.
The colorful sculpture, known for its festive appearance and its burden of local produce destined for market, was moved Tuesday morning. The relocation is a precursor to the library’s upcoming renovation and expansion project, which requires the ground where the statue formerly stood.
The delicate operation was handled by Hays Crane and Rigging of Walla Walla under the direct supervision of the sculptor, Nano Lopez.
“Matilde” will spend her hiatus in Lopez’s personal statue garden. Once the library’s construction is finalized, the bronze bovine is slated to return to a new, high-visibility location on the library grounds.
Created in 2003, the sculpture is a tribute to the long-horned cattle native to Lopez’s home country of Colombia. Lopez, who immigrated to the United States in 1983 and eventually settled in the Pacific Northwest, is known for his intricate style, which blends organic textures with vibrant, hand-painted finishes.
Library officials have not yet announced a specific date for the renovation’s completion but noted that the removal of the iconic statue is a tangible sign that the long-awaited building project is nearing its start.
Photo via Walla Walla Public Library
