The giant eagle sculptures that have loomed over visitors at Wellington Airport for over ten years are soon to be dismantled, airport authorities announced. The decision to unfasten the Hobbit-inspired figures comes as the airport prepares for a new mystery exhibit, set to be unveiled later this year.
These majestic eagles are not just art; they symbolize the rich legacy of JRR Tolkien's works, beautifully represented in the film adaptations helmed by Sir Peter Jackson. The scenic landscapes captured in the films have continuously attracted tourists, making the eagles a fitting welcome at the airport.
Wellington Airport's chief executive, Matt Clarke, expressed that while the change is necessary, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for the iconic pieces. "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us," Clarke remarked.
Weighing in at 1.2 tonnes (1,200kg) each, with a wingspan of 15 meters (49 feet), the eagles are constructed from polystyrene and feature an internal steel skeleton, adorned with numerous feathers, the longest measuring around 2.4 meters (8 feet). One features a sculpture of Gandalf riding atop it.
Originally unveiled in 2013 alongside the launch of The Hobbit trilogy, the sculptures were crafted by Wētā Workshop, the acclaimed New Zealand company known for its work on both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises. Despite the removal of the eagles, fans of the series can still find solace in the presence of Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon from The Hobbit, which will continue to enchant visitors in the check-in area.
The eagles are set to be placed in storage, and as of now, no long-term plans have been announced regarding their future. However, Clarke did hint at exciting developments in collaboration with Wētā Workshop to introduce new, locally themed replacements for the beloved figures, ensuring that the magic of New Zealand's cinematic heritage continues to thrive at the airport.
These majestic eagles are not just art; they symbolize the rich legacy of JRR Tolkien's works, beautifully represented in the film adaptations helmed by Sir Peter Jackson. The scenic landscapes captured in the films have continuously attracted tourists, making the eagles a fitting welcome at the airport.
Wellington Airport's chief executive, Matt Clarke, expressed that while the change is necessary, it evokes a sense of nostalgia for the iconic pieces. "It's not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us," Clarke remarked.
Weighing in at 1.2 tonnes (1,200kg) each, with a wingspan of 15 meters (49 feet), the eagles are constructed from polystyrene and feature an internal steel skeleton, adorned with numerous feathers, the longest measuring around 2.4 meters (8 feet). One features a sculpture of Gandalf riding atop it.
Originally unveiled in 2013 alongside the launch of The Hobbit trilogy, the sculptures were crafted by Wētā Workshop, the acclaimed New Zealand company known for its work on both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises. Despite the removal of the eagles, fans of the series can still find solace in the presence of Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon from The Hobbit, which will continue to enchant visitors in the check-in area.
The eagles are set to be placed in storage, and as of now, no long-term plans have been announced regarding their future. However, Clarke did hint at exciting developments in collaboration with Wētā Workshop to introduce new, locally themed replacements for the beloved figures, ensuring that the magic of New Zealand's cinematic heritage continues to thrive at the airport.
