Visitors to Zurich central train station might be disappointed in the next few weeks not to see the famous ‘Guardian Angel’ sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle hanging over them in the main hall. But don’t worry, she is just having a facelift.
The sculpture has been hanging there since 1997, when it was donated by the French artist for the station’s 150th anniversary. But 20 years have left their mark, including dust, water, grease and bird droppings, according to Christian Marty who leads the restoration project. He said the restoration work was expected to take about three weeks.
The work is 11 metres high and weighs 1.2 tonnes. It represents a well-rounded woman with golden wings, clothed in a kind of multi-coloured costume.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in 1997, Niki de Saint Phalle said that angels were usually men. But she said this one was a woman, because it was good to change.
The artist, who was known for her monumental sculpture, was married to internationally known Swiss artist Jean Tinguely. She died in 2002.
French cross-border workers in Switzerland fear “discriminatory” unemployment reform
This content was published on
In the French region around Geneva, cross-border workers are protesting proposals to cut unemployment benefits for those working in Switzerland.
Swan infected with bird flu in central Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland has reported its first bird flu case of the season. A swan found dead in central Switzerland tested positive for the H5N1 virus.
Swiss researchers identify gene variants linked to cancer progression
This content was published on
ETH Zurich researchers explored genetic mutations’ effects on cell function and their role in cancer development and treatment using CRISPR/Cas techniques.
Explosion at Swiss company Givaudan’s US plant leaves two dead
This content was published on
Swiss flavour and fragrance maker Givaudan reported that an explosion at its Kentucky plant resulted in two deaths and several injuries.
Swisscom’s Vodafone Italia takeover cleared by Italian telecoms authority
This content was published on
Swisscom is one step closer to its planned acquisition of Vodafone Italia, as the Italian communications regulator has approved the €8 billion deal.
Swiss parliamentary committee proposes foreign aid cuts and military funding boost
This content was published on
A committee of the Swiss House of Representatives has proposed increasing funds for the military and agriculture while reducing foreign aid and asylum.
Swiss Rolex Submariner watches reach nearly $50 billion in total market value
This content was published on
The total market value of all Rolex Submariner watches ever made is nearly $50 billion, based on newly released production data.
Swiss Jew wrongfully detained due to prosecutor’s ‘bias’
This content was published on
A Jewish Swiss man was detained after the prosecutor argued he might flee to Israel. The Federal Court said this implies bias due to his Jewish faith.
US reportedly scrutinises Russian accounts UBS took over from Credit Suisse
This content was published on
The US is investigating Russian clients acquired by UBS during its takeover of Credit Suisse, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
WTO plans to reappoint Okonjo-Iweala before Trump swears in
This content was published on
Some member states of the World Trade Organization may seek to reappoint Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, according to a document released on Tuesday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
The Bonnie and Clyde of art
This content was published on
To mark its tenth anniversary, the Museum Tinguely in Basel has organised the first-ever exhibition of the artistic dream team “Niki & Jean”. Private letters, films, drawings, models and their joint monumental works present an intimate portrait of the couple and their rollercoaster lives. For over 30 years their marriage of life and art, sculpture…
This content was published on
It was mounted in Fribourg’s “L’Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle” shortly after her death in May this year at the age of 71. Her marriage to the Swiss sculptor and painter Jean Tinguely was one of the 20th century’s most important artistic partnerships. Canton Fribourg-born Tinguely, who died 11 years ago, is…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.