The heavily damaged 'Flügelmann' sculpture in Heinrich-Heine Park on Burgstraße in Halle, Germany, will soon shine again after extensive restoration work. The artwork by Christof Traub, which suffered severe vandalism, has been successfully repaired and reinstalled at its original location in the park using a crane.
According to city administration officials, the complete repair and reinstallation process cost approximately 4,300 euros. The restoration work involved reattaching the sculpture's severed head and wing, which had been deliberately broken off by vandals. These damaged components were carefully secured back to the main structure using stainless steel dowels to ensure long-term stability.
To ensure the durability of the restoration work, the sculpture remains wrapped while the mortar used to attach the vandalized parts properly cures. City officials explained that this covering allows the bonding material to dry more slowly, which significantly improves the overall strength and longevity of the repairs. This careful drying process is crucial for preventing future structural issues.
The public will be able to see the restored artwork again starting Friday, October 3rd, when the protective wrapping will be removed and the sculpture officially unveiled. The 'Flügelmann' sculpture has been a notable feature of Heinrich-Heine Park, and its restoration represents the city's commitment to preserving public art despite acts of vandalism.
