ESCHER, THE ANGEL AND THE FIBONACCI NUMBERS

Two works of art form the starting point for a portrait of Zurich Main Station. Not only is the more than 160 year-old railway station a European junction, but also a shopping center and cultural event venue. What makes Zurich Main Station one of Europe’s most interesting railway stations?
Every traveller who arrives in Zurich Main Station discovers on first sight in the vast arrival hall, hovering high in the air, Niki de Saint-Phalle's work of art: «L'Ange protecteur,» a sculpture more than 10 meters in size. The artist created the angel in 1997 especially for the huge railway station hall, available again for travellers after yet another renovation during the mid 1990's.
In this enormous open space, created in the first major renovation of 1871 following Zurich Main Station's founding in 1847, the angel levitates to its stunning advantage.
The travellers who marvel at the floating angel usually do not notice another work of art at their backs: «The philosophical egg» from Mario Merz. It is affixed to the panes of the bright western façade, which delimits the reception hall transversely to the great railway hall from the 19th century.
The Italian «arte-povera» artist Mario Merz created this installation in 1992 on the basis of his engagement with the Fibonacci numbers. The red neon spirals, blue numbers and pendant animals come into their own at best in an evening atmosphere.
These two works of art form the point of departure for realization of this film about Zurich Main Station.