The World Trade Center Sphere

The World Trade Center Sphere (officially Große Kugelkaryatide N.Y., also known as Sphere at Plaza Fountain, WTC Sphere or Koenig Sphere) is a monumental cast bronze sculpture by German artist Fritz Koenig (1924–2017).

The world’s largest modern bronze sculpture stood between the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York from 1971 until the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

The work, weighing more than 20 tons, was the only piece of art recovered largely intact from the ruins of the twin towers that collapsed after the attacks.

The sculpture was purposely not restored, to always remind visitors of the devastation it suffered during the 9/11 attacks.

It was initially placed in a temporary location in Battery Park between 2002 and 2017, before being moved back near its original location in Liberty Park.