Many memorials are built on the sites of actual events. Why is it so important for people to commemorate an important event in history where it actually happened? And what if the event is very painful to remember? Are there reasons for people to be exposed to a location with a horrible history, or is it better to simply forget the past?

Question

This large bronze sphere, dented and punctured, sits on a pedestal. At the base is a lit fire in a pit.

Fritz Koenig's Sphere

Read the story of the Koenig’s Sphere memorial.

Originally constructed in the early 1970s by sculptor Fritz Koenig, this bronze sphere sat outside the original World Trade Center in New York City as a symbol of peace through world trade. When two planes toppled the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in September 2001, the sphere was badly dented and damaged. Six months after the attack on the World Trade Center, the sculpture was re-erected in Battery Park, several blocks from its original location. Perhaps surprisingly, no attempts were made to repair the shiny sculpture. Instead, an eternal flame was installed at its base, memorializing the nearly 3,000 victims of the September bombing. New York always intended to return The Sphere sculpture to Liberty Square, the site of the World Trade Center. New York completed this work and The Sphere was unveiled on September 6, 2017, less than a week before the 16th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

What is the message of the monument?
Why was a particular location chosen for its display? Discuss both the original and present-day locations.
Do you agree with the chosen location for display? Do you feel that it is the best way to communicate the message of the piece? Given the tragedy that occurred at the location, is it appropriate to locate the memorial here? Why or why not? Suggest another location for the piece and explain your choice.
Do you think it was the right decision not to repair the damage to the sculpture? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The message of the Koenig’s Sphere memorial is one of resilience, peace, and the interconnectedness of humanity, especially in the face of tragedy. Originally intended to symbolize peace through world trade, the damaged state of the sphere after the 9/11 attacks represents the scars left on society due to violence and loss, while also reflecting the idea of survival and hope in the aftermath of horror.

The original location of the sphere, outside the World Trade Center, made sense as it was meant to embody the spirit of global commerce and collaboration. The site's significance as a center of international activity and culture amplified the message the sculpture was intended to convey. When the sphere was re-erected in Battery Park after 9/11, it served as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability and impact of the attacks, transforming from a symbol of commerce to a memorial for those lost. Ultimately, returning the sphere to its original location at Liberty Square integrates it once more into the narrative of resilience and recovery, while maintaining its historical and cultural context.

Whether this location is appropriate for the memorial is a complex question. On one hand, it serves to remind visitors of the tragedy that occurred here, fostering understanding and reflection on the human cost of such events. This acknowledgment of pain can contribute to healing, both individually and collectively. On the other hand, some may argue that memorializing painful events in their historical locations can evoke distress and may not provide a conducive environment for healing. I believe that placing the memorial at Liberty Square is appropriate because it preserves the cultural memory of those lost and reminds visitors of the ongoing need for peace and understanding in the world.

If I were to suggest an alternative location for the piece, I might consider exhibiting it in a setting dedicated to peace and conflict resolution, such as alongside centers for education on human rights or global cooperation. This might illuminate the broader message of the sculpture — peace through understanding and collaboration — while offering a context for discussing the legacy of violence and the importance of striving for a better future.

Regarding the decision not to repair the damage to the sculpture, I think it was the right choice. The dents and punctures serve as a tangible representation of the violence inflicted by the attacks and the collective trauma experienced by the nation and the world. By retaining its damaged state, the sphere stands as a stark reminder of the losses suffered, and it can evoke discussions about the fragility of peace and the necessity of resilience in the aftermath of destruction. Rather than disguising the event's impact, the decision not to repair the sculpture respects the memory of the victims and acknowledges the reality of the pain that comes with history.