[4] The pedestal is made of dark granite steps, topped by a cylinder,[5] and measures 15 feet (4.6 m) tall.

[3][6] Statues of four characters from Verdi's operas are on the pedestal: Aida, Otello, Leonora of La forza del destino, and Falstaff.

[9] The main statue of Verdi, placed atop the pedestal, is also made of white Carrara marble.

[5] The monument was dedicated on Columbus Day, October 12, 1906, by the Verdi Monument Committee chaired by Carlo Barsotti (1850–1927), an Italian–American who hoped to inspire young Italian Americans.

[2] A permanent maintenance endowment for the monument has been established by Bertolli USA.