GENEVA, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The "Celestial Sphere," a symbol of the United Nations and of International Geneva, is to be brought back to its original splendor as symbolism for peace and the future, the UN Office at Geneva (UNOG) said this week.
Installed on the lawns of the Palais des Nations since 1939, the Celestial Sphere is a masterwork of Paul H. Manship (1885-1966), an American sculptor associated with the Art Deco style, best known for his "Prometheus Fountain" at Rockefeller Center in New York.
The UN said in a statement on Friday that an anonymous donation will fund the restoration project, which will be done by contractors selected in public bidding later in 2019.
The Celestial Sphere is in the shape of an armillary sphere, a spherical framework of rings about four meters in diameter standing in front of the UN headquarters in Geneva.
It represents the heavens as seen from earth, displaying 840 silver stars and 64 cast bronze figures depicting characters from classical mythology representing constellations.
"This magnificent work of art is essential to the story of both the United Nations and International Geneva," said Michael Moller, UNOG Director-General.
The Celestial Sphere Restoration Project aims to physically repair the sphere and to restore its original sparkle.
It includes the complete repair of the precious metals and the redesign of the reflecting pool and its surrounding landscape.
The restoration should also result in the sculpture's ability to rotate like a celestial body in orbit. The well-known sculpture will be disassembled and removed from its site for about nine months.
The restored outdoor sculpture is expected to be unveiled in late 2019/early 2020, in time to celebrate the centennial of the founding of the League of Nations.
