Fem fontäner och ett klot

What secrets do five fountains and a sphere hold? Here at Gustav Adolfs Torg, Fem fontäner och ett klot, or “Five Fountains and a Globe,” whispers stories of Malmö’s past and present. Completed in 2000 by artist Sivert Lindblom, this captivating artwork isn’t just a visual spectacle. It’s a symbol of the square’s transformation. Fem fontäner och ett klot sits on the eastern side of the square, a vibrant addition to the bustling marketplace. The artwork is a blend of materials: granite, bronze, and tiles. The five bronze fountains reach skyward, their varying heights mirroring the subtle slopes of the square itself. The globe, a striking sphere of bronze and red granite, measures 1.5 meters in diameter. It’s not just a simple sphere. Two allegorical figures, representing optimism and pessimism, flank a griffin perched atop the globe. This griffin is a nod to Malmö’s heraldic symbol, adding a layer of local history to the piece. Even the inscriptions on the globe tell a story. One is a quote from the Greek poet Heraclitus, the other from Swedish poet Hjalmar Gullberg. Fem fontäner och ett klot wasn’t always complete. The fountains were inaugurated in 1999 by then-Mayor Ilmar Reepalu. But the globe, the final piece of the puzzle, wasn’t added until 2000, fully realizing Lindblom’s vision. During winter, these fountains transform. Instead of water, flames dance from the fountain tops, adding warmth and light to the square during the darkest months. So next time you visit Gustav Adolfs Torg, take a moment to appreciate Fem fontäner och ett klot. It’s a testament to the city’s artistic spirit and a reminder that even in a bustling city center, art can find a way to flourish.