Wind Wand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wind Wand |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Artist | Len Lye |
| Year | 1997–98 (groundbreaking) 1998–99 (constructed) 1 January 2000 (opened) |
| Type | Kinetic sculpture |
| Dimensions | 48 m (157 ft) high 200 mm (7.9 in) diameter |
| Location | New Plymouth, New Zealand |
| 39°03′22″S 174°04′18″E / 39.056056°S 174.071736°E | |
The Wind Wand is a tall, moving sculpture in New Plymouth, New Zealand. It stands 48 meters (about 157 feet) high. The sculpture has a 45-meter (148-foot) red tube made of fibreglass. It was designed by the famous artist Len Lye. Many people in New Plymouth see the Wind Wand as a main symbol of their city. At night, the Wind Wand lights up, making it easy to spot.
This amazing sculpture cost more than $300,000 to build. It was first put up in December 1999, at the same time as the Coastal Walkway. However, it had to be taken down just a few weeks later for repairs. After being fixed, it was put back up in June 2001. The red fibreglass tube stands straight when there is no wind. But when the wind blows, it bends and sways, creating a beautiful moving shape.
On September 17, 2017, the Wind Wand was hit by lightning. It was later checked and repaired to ensure it was still safe and working.
What Is the Wind Wand Made Of?
The Wind Wand is built from strong materials like fibreglass and carbon fibre. It weighs about 900 kilograms (nearly 2,000 pounds). The main tube is 200 millimeters (about 8 inches) wide. This special design allows the Wind Wand to bend a lot, sometimes as much as 20 meters (about 65 feet). At the very top of the sculpture, there is a red ball. This ball holds 1,296 small lights called light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. These LEDs are what make the Wind Wand glow brightly at night.
