One of metro Detroit’s hidden gems is in Bloomfield Hills at the picturesque Cranbrook House and Gardens.
“Weeping Zeus” is a marble bust of the mythological Greek god of ancient lore. He can be found in the Cranbrook House and Gardens, tucked away in an area of the woods referred to as “the mountain”.
Sculpted in 1820, this relic astounds visitors with its superb craftsmanship. But it’s not just the artistic value of the “Weeping Zeus” that pleases those who have come to visit him for decades.
The sculpture cries right before your eyes! When you view him from just the right spot, a stream of tears will either trickle down Zeus’ face or shoot forward up to 10 feet.
The bust was purchased in 1960 at an auction from Abercairny mansion in Scotland and has been located at the House and Gardens for over 57 years.
The story is told that once back in the Detroit area, Henry Scripps Booth (the purchaser) decided to make slight modifications to his new possession. He actually had the holes drilled and then added the waterworks to showcase his own humor.
Geocachers must exercise a little curiosity and discovery to see the tears shoot from his eyes. It’s not too confusing to figure out the mystery surrounding “Weeping Zeus”! It’s been said to bring joy to nearly all that have found him.
Permission was granted for the use of this story by Jon Pfaff published November, 2014. Photo by Jon Pfaff
To log this cache as a FIND … email or message the following information:
- Estimate the number of feet to the top of Zeus’ head
- What is the elevation at the posted coordinates (or include a picture with your log)
- Just for fun … Did Zeus gently weep or really shoot out the tears for you? (There is a paver stone to step on that triggers the eyes to squirt water! )
Please do not post answers in your log.
Many thanks to all of the geocachers who awarded favorite points on my previous hides, contributing to the opportunity to create this new Virtual!
This virtual cache is located at:
Cranbrook House and Gardens - 380 Lone Pine Road - Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
The Gardens are open daily May 1 through October 31 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
While you are here, take time to explore the peaceful paths and discover the many gardens featuring fountains, ponds, statuary, lakes, streams and the many varieties of flowers and other plants spread across 40 acres.
Virtual Reward - 2017/2018
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between August 24, 2017 and August 24, 2018. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards on the Geocaching Blog.