2008 Pilgrimage to Foamhenge, Natural Bridge, Virginia

This is a full scale model of Stonehenge in England, made entirely of styrofoam blocks, on a hill in Natural Bridge, Virginia. You have to see it to believe it.

Note that you can click on each picture for a larger version, which will open in a new window or tab, depending on your browser.

Foamhenge is at the top of a hill, so you come at it from below.

It looks pretty impressive from good angles (like on your stomach in the grass). It also makes really funny noises, when the wind blows.

There are some "stones" ("foams"?) set up to depict one of the ways in which the real Stonehenge might have been assembled.

Apparently, one of the theories regarding the creation of Stonehenge involves Merlin (yes, that Merlin) levitating the stones into place. Here he is in action.

Here is Merlin up close. The face is made from a death mask cast by the artist who has assembled this "installation".

Here is the sign that welcomes you to Foamhenge. The sign reads (in part):
"Thank you for visiting Foamhenge, a full scale replica of the mystical Stonehenge of England. Please enjoy yourself at this site, but please be gentle it is foam not stone."

It then provides some history of Stonehenge, including the quantity of people required to build it ("an estimated 600-1000 men"), followed by a history of Foamhenge:
"Foamhenge was completed in six weeks using beaded styrofoam blocks weighing up to 420 pounds. Delivered on 4 tractor trailer trips from Winchester, Va. 100 miles north. It took 4-5 Mexicans and one crazy white man to construct. It's purpose is to educate and entertain."
Signed, M. Cline.

This sign gives some guidelines for enjoying your visit:
"Two great reasons you will not deface my sculpture:
1. It's a federal offense to deface public or private property with a possible 1 year in prison + $10,000 fine.
2. Sometimes I hide and watch. I'll let you scratch on Foamhenge as I do the same to your parked vehicle. Don't be surprised, I'm nuts enough to do it!"

This is a full scale model of Stonehenge in England, made entirely of styrofoam blocks, on a hill in Natural Bridge, Virginia. You have to see it to believe it. Note that you can click on each picture for a larger version, which will open in a new window or tab, depending on your browser.

Foamhenge is at the top of a hill, so you come at it from below. It looks pretty impressive from good angles (like on your stomach in the grass). It also makes really funny noises, when the wind blows. There are some "stones" ("foams"?) set up to depict one of the ways in which the real Stonehenge might have been assembled. Apparently, one of the theories regarding the creation of Stonehenge involves Merlin (yes, *that* Merlin) levitating the stones into place. Here he is in action. Here is Merlin up close. The face is made from a death mask cast by the artist who has assembled this "installation". Here is the sign that welcomes you to Foamhenge. The sign reads (in part): "Thank you for visiting Foamhenge, a full scale replica of the mystical Stonehenge of England. Please enjoy yourself at this site, but please be gentle it is foam not stone." It then provides some history of Stonehenge, including the quantity of people required to build it ("an estimated 600-1000 men"), followed by a history of Foamhenge: "Foamhenge was completed in six weeks using beaded styrofoam blocks weighing up to 420 pounds. Delivered on 4 tractor trailer trips from Winchester, Va. 100 miles north. It took 4-5 Mexicans and one crazy white man to construct. It's purpose is to educate and entertain." Signed, M. Cline. This sign gives some guidelines for enjoying your visit: "Two great reasons you will not deface my sculpture: 1. It's a federal offense to deface public or private property with a possible 1 year in prison + $10,000 fine. 2. Sometimes I hide and watch. I'll let you scratch on Foamhenge as I do the same to your parked vehicle. Don't be surprised, I'm nuts enough to do it!"