43: 9/11 and the Sphere that Survived

A fractured sphere placed precariously on a porphyry disk, surrounded by spouts of water, 'The Sphere' (or 'Große Kugelkaryatide N.Y.') by renowned German artist Fritz König was the centrepiece of Austen J. Tobin Plaza. With the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center rising as monolithic symbols of the promise of achieving world peace through trade (and of course, American commercialism), The Sphere stood for three decades before falling victim to the 9/11 attacks. The only piece of art to survive the attacks mostly in tact, The Sphere is now located in Liberty Park, overlooking the 9/11 Memorial. In this second life, the Sphere has taken on new meaning as an object of remembrance. But what will Dad make of this weighty sculpture, and what impression (if any) did it make on him when he visited New York. Find out in this episode! See images here!