Dortmund’s skyline boasts an unusual guardian. That is the Do-Rhino, not an eagle or a lion but a rhino with wings. This winged rhino embodies Dortmund’s spirit.
The Do-Rhino isn’t just any rhino. It represents the Westphalian Philharmonic. The concert house in Dortmund uses the rhino as its heraldic animal. Rhinos possess an extraordinary sense of hearing. They can detect infrasonic sounds that humans perceive only as vibrations. Each ear moves independently. This allows them to capture sounds in a 360-degree radius.
In 2005 and 2006, the city embraced this unique symbol. City-Marketing Ltd. joined forces with eighty sponsors. They placed 100 artistically designed rhino sculptures throughout Dortmund. Each Do-Rhino stands 1.87 meters tall and 2.50 meters long. These powerful winged animals quickly captured the hearts of Dortmund’s residents. Each rhino has an individual shape. They lend character to the city’s appearance.
Dortmund is an old Hanseatic city. It became an imperial city in the 13th century. The eagle is in its emblem. The winged rhino became the second unofficial heraldic animal. The Do-Rhino is like the Pegasus figure. It represents a source of inspiration for intellectual creativity.
One particular Do-Rhino, the “Do-Rhino ailé,” symbolizes Franco-German friendship. It was installed in Amiens. This installation commemorated the 60th anniversary of the cities’ twinning. The Do-Rhino ailé stands in Place Léon Gontier. PaulM37 captured its image with an Apple iPhone 13 mini.
These flying rhino statues represent a modern art project in Dortmund. There were up to 120 such statues in the city in 2012.
So, when you see a Do-Rhino, remember its dual role. It is both a symbol of Dortmund’s cultural richness and a reminder of the power of art. It also embodies the city’s innovative spirit. The winged rhino stands as a testament to Dortmund’s unique identity. It inspires all who encounter it.