The OCA’s Conservation and Maintenance team recently completed a full restoration of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument near Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Titled Hope Moving Forward, the impressive bronze sculpture was created by internationally acclaimed Jamaican-born artist Basil Watson, whose work is recognized for its expressive realism and powerful portrayals of Black history and leadership.
The three-day restoration required careful planning and technical prowess to treat the sculpture’s surface and re-wax the bronze to protect it from environmental wear, preserving its integrity for years to come. The placement of the work is also integrated into the traffic plan for the corridor, which provides a safer roadway in the area.
Watson’s Hope Moving Forward captures Dr. King in a poised yet purposeful stride — symbolizing progress, resilience, and Atlanta’s enduring role in advancing civil rights. As the city continues to welcome residents and visitors from around the world, maintaining this important public artwork ensures that Dr. King’s legacy and the MLK Corridor remains visible, vibrant, and inspiring in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
Through this restoration, we honor not only the artistry behind the sculpture, but also the history and hope it represents.