The well-known sculpture “The Wing” at Hasseris Gymnasium in Aalborg has collapsed for the second time in just a few years. Officials now plan a complete reconstruction to prevent future accidents.
The Collapse of a Symbol
For decades, the sculpture known as The Wing has stood proudly as a symbol of Hasseris Gymnasium in Aalborg. Created by Danish artist Helge Holmskov in 1972, the heavy piece of art has been a beloved part of the school’s identity. On Monday, however, strong winds brought it down once again, marking the second collapse in less than five years.
The incident quickly raised concerns for safety. The sculpture, normally set on a granite base, toppled during the storm and now lies on the school’s lawn. Because of its size and weight, administrators worry about the danger it could pose if the structure were to fall while people were nearby.
A Failing Granite Foundation
Aalborg Municipality inspected the scene shortly after the collapse. Engineers concluded that several small cracks had weakened the granite obelisk supporting the sculpture. Years of exposure to weather eventually made it too fragile to carry the weight.
Experts say that damage to granite can be extremely difficult to detect early on, which makes maintenance challenging. To address the issue, the municipality now recommends rebuilding the foundation entirely. Instead of granite, they propose a new support system made of metal filled with concrete, which should provide both durability and stability at a lower cost.
Interestingly, this plan aligns with the city’s push toward sustainable urban art maintenance, similar to practices seen in many art galleries in Copenhagen where restoration techniques blend tradition with modern materials.
Ensuring the Future of ‘The Wing’
The school administration, led by Principal Ole Droob, intends to work closely with the municipality to secure and restore the sculpture as soon as possible. According to city representatives, the task will involve careful planning to ensure both artistic integrity and structural safety.
Some officials even floated the idea of replacing the piece entirely with another artwork from Aalborg’s art storage. But the school quickly rejected that proposal. For current and former students alike, The Wing is far more than just a sculpture. It serves as a gathering point every summer when new graduates celebrate the completion of their studies by dancing around it—a tradition that has lasted since the school’s founding.
Much More Than a Sculpture
While practical repair work will take time, what remains clear is the emotional value The Wing holds for the school community. Generations of students have connected their personal milestones to this unique art piece. Many believe that replacing it would erase part of the school’s shared history.
It stands not only as an art object but also as a social landmark, reminding everyone of the connection between local culture and Danish design heritage. This event also highlights how many institutions, from schools to museums, face the challenge of maintaining outdoor sculpture exposed to the unpredictable Danish weather.
Similar to how experts in interior design balance function and aesthetics, art conservators must now find modern solutions that protect tradition without losing creativity.
Next Steps for Repair
A formal plan will be developed between Hasseris Gymnasium and Aalborg Municipality. Engineers will assess the sculpture’s exact weight and stress load before creating the new foundation structure. The goal is to have The Wing back in its original place before summer. Until then, it will remain on the lawn while specialists prepare the concrete-and-metal base that will replace the old granite one.
Without a doubt, the reconstruction effort reflects a broader recognition in Denmark of how deeply everyday public art is tied to local identity. Even a modern structure like The Wing has become part of the cultural memory that connects art, education, and community.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Art galleries in Copenhagen
The Danish Dream: Best interior designers in Denmark for foreigners
DR: Kendt skulptur er knækket for anden gang på få år: ‘Katastrofalt, hvis den vælter, mens der er folk i området’
