Envision this: A sculpture stands before us. It represents a powerful symbol of peace. This is the Monumento a la Paz.
The Monumento a la Paz is located in Parque Juan Carlos I. It marks the entrance from the main parking area. The park is a great location to explore art and nature. The Monumento a la Paz is number 18 on the Sculpture Route. This route links art and nature. It displays works by various sculptors. These works showcase diverse aesthetic ideas.
Yolanda D’Augsburg, a Brazilian sculptor and painter created the Monumento a la Paz. The El Corte Inglés company sponsored it in 1992. It commemorates the Madrid Peace Conference. Israelis and Palestinians attended the conference in November 1991. The kings of Spain inaugurated the monument on November 6, 1992. Madrid was the European Capital of Culture that year.
The Monumento a la Paz has three symbolic parts. They intertwine suggesting an embracing. Despite the materials appearing rigid they have an enclosing plasticity. A large weathering steel form rises firmly. It is called the Roots of Spain. It emerges from a concrete base showing the peace process’s strength. Spain oversaw this process during the 1991 Middle East Conference.
Two stainless steel elements link to these firm roots. These are called the Ties. They stand for two conflicted groups united by talks in Madrid. Finally a weathering steel helical piece finishes the work. It’s named the Root of Peace. As a final high point it joins the lower parts. It spirals toward infinity to achieve harmony.
The whole effect is somewhat human-like. The materials contrast. The base and sculpture rise upward. This gives us an optimistic view of what’s to come. Two bronze doves symbolize world peace. They appear to be flying up. They are attached to one end of the pedestal.
The pedestal is a solid concrete block. It features a prism-shaped body. A semicircular staircase connects to one side. On the main side the staircase extends. It runs perpendicular to the monument. Two bronze plaques with inscriptions are attached. The first plaque faces front. It reads: Roots and Ties for Peace. Yolanda D’Augsburg. The Roots of Spain. The monument’s lower part goes into the earth. It’s made of weathering steel. It shows the strength and stability of peace ties. Spain successfully managed this in Madrid. This was at the Peace Conference. Ties: Two stainless steel parts link to roots created by Spain. The Root of Peace: The weathering steel part unites the ties as a final statement. It turns toward endless peace. Bronze doves symbolize world peace. The people of Madrid dedicated this to peace. El Corte Inglés sponsored it.
The second plaque is on the back. It reads: The Madrid City Council dedicates this to peace. Their Majesties the Kings inaugurated this monument. Madrid November 6, 1992. European Capital of Culture Year.
The Monumento a la Paz occupies a rectangular space. It’s filled with gravel and stones. Prismatic bollards join with metal cords to mark it off. The sculpture is an abstract symbolic figure. A bronze plaque on the bottom bears a signature. It reads: Macisa Foundries Madrid. Yolanda d’Augsburg. Madrid November 6, 92.
The Monumento a la Paz stands 12 meters high. It is 9 meters wide and 5.50 meters deep. It uses metal weathering steel stainless steel and bronze. The city owns it.
Standing here we see more than metal. The Monumento a la Paz is about hope. It is about unity. It is about Madrid’s role in fostering peace. As you leave take a moment to reflect on the message. Let it inspire you.