Cologne's winged car artwork removed from museum roof due to structural damage

Cologne, Germany – A striking golden car sculpture adorned with wings, a prominent artwork by artist HA Schult, has been carefully dismantled from the roof of the former Kölnisches Stadtmuseum. The four-ton piece, affectionately known as the "Golden Bird," had perched atop a 17th-century Zeughaus tower for more than 35 years.

City officials cited structural concerns as the reason for the removal. Investigations revealed that the sculpture's considerable weight, combined with movements caused by strong winds, had inflicted damage on the historic masonry. The city stated that the deconstruction was necessary to prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety of the building and its surroundings.

The intricate process of removing the "Golden Bird" took place at an elevation of approximately 24 meters. The artwork is slated for restoration at the Ford-Werke facilities in Cologne before finding a new home. It is expected to be installed on the roof of a Rhine-side hotel in the first quarter of next year.

Artist HA Schult, 87, had initially contested the removal, filing an urgent legal request that was ultimately rejected. The gilded Ford Fiesta with wings first appeared publicly in 1989 and became a beloved photo opportunity near Cologne Cathedral after its installation in 1991. Schult is widely recognized for his "Trash People" series, life-sized sculptures constructed entirely from waste materials.