Kristallvertikalaccent Sculpture

Is that a giant ice sculpture? You might think so at first. That’s the Kristallvertikalaccent, or as the locals sometimes call it, “Pinnen” (the Pin) or “Glasobelisken” (the Glass Obelisk). This towering structure right before your eyes, isn’t actually made of ice. It’s a stunning work of art crafted from steel and glass. Designed by the renowned Swedish artist Edvin Öhrström, it was completed in 1974. It involved a complex process of cladding a sturdy steel frame with thousands of shimmering glass prisms. Look closely, and you’ll notice that each prism catches the light – especially stunning when illuminated at night. Originally, the artist envisioned the Kristallvertikalaccent to be illuminated from within. This vision finally came to life in 1993, enhancing its captivating presence in the heart of Stockholm. For those who remember it before, it’s hard to believe it was once shrouded in grime and pollution. But in 2015, the city gave it a much-needed facelift. Imagine this: every single one of those 60,000 glass prisms was carefully removed, cleaned, and painstakingly reassembled. The renovation also brought about modern LED lighting, allowing the obelisk to be bathed in a spectrum of colors. Each week, the Kristallvertikalaccent shines in a different hue, creating a mesmerizing spectacle throughout the year.