Rhino sculpture returns to Flensburg town hall

A rhinoceros sculpture has returned to its perch atop the Flensburg town hall, approximately eight meters above the ground. The yellow, multi-eyed artwork, weighing around 180 kilograms, was reinstalled on the forecourt roof by the professional fire department using high-altitude rescuers and a turntable ladder as part of an exercise.

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because the town hall itself is not a beautiful building. And we want to smile a little despite the serious topics. That's why I think it's nice that we can welcome it back here.

The sculpture previously occupied this spot many years ago before being removed in 2011 at the request of the then-mayor. Its return has been welcomed by the current mayor, Fabian Geyer, who admitted that the town hall itself is not a particularly beautiful building. He believes the sculpture adds a touch of amusement, stating, "That's why I think it's nice that we can welcome it back here."

Geyer also drew parallels between the thick-skinned animal and the city administration, with a touch of humor. He suggested both possess a certain slowness, which can be found in administration, but added, "But it can also be incredibly fast."

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But it can also be incredibly fast.

The "Eye Rhino" sculpture, a collaborative work by Flensburg artist Hans-Ruprecht Leiß and Prenzlau sculptor Claus Lindner, was recently overhauled free of charge by the artists. The sculpture had previously spent years on a farm and later on the roof of a restaurant before its owner made it available as a permanent loan to the town hall. Leiß expressed initial surprise at the task but felt his old passion for the rhino project reignite, especially given the positive reactions from Flensburg residents.

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If you can obviously create real joy, sometimes childlike joy, with a work of art, then that is a compliment, isn't it?