The Hershey Story strives to honor Milton Hershey, his contributions to the world of business and his unselfish generosity to the community he founded. Perhaps the most visible will be a large-scale mural in the Grand Lobby. Facing the main entrance on Chocolate Avenue and spanning two stories, this commissioned piece of art will be a beautiful and meaningful addition to The Hershey Story.

William Cochran, a renowned “trompe l’oeil” artist from Frederick, Maryland, is creating this original work of art. Trompe l’oeil, or “trick the eye,“ refers to a painting style which makes subjects appear three-dimensional, when in fact they are part of a two-dimensional painted surface. Mr. Cochran has completed several large-scale public works throughout the country including the Community Bridge in Frederick.

The mural, entitled Community Builder, will consist of three large panels. A recreation of the steps and limestone wall at the Homestead, Milton Hershey’s birthplace, will appear in the foreground across all three panels. The center panel will feature a lifelike representation of Milton Hershey seated on the steps surrounded by six children. The children represent children impacted by the Milton Hershey School as well as Mr. Hershey’s contribution to public education and cultural enrichment in Hershey. These incredibly realistic figures will be at eye-level to encourage interaction between the art and the viewer.

The background will consist of a landscape, complete with green space, important buildings in Hershey and farmland -- all important parts of Mr. Hershey’s model community. Three quotes by Milton Hershey relating to his values of helping others and sustainable community building will be included at the top of the mural. The open design of the atrium and second floor will allow this magnificent piece to be viewed from a number of vantage points.

Work on the mural has begun and will be completed in sections. The background painting of the sky and quotes will be completed later this year. The foreground elements, which require much more time, will be painted off-site and applied to the wall in pieces next spring and summer.