Standing tall and proud, a shining beacon against the blue Dusseldorf sky, the Messezeichen Pylon, a stainless-steel sculpture by the renowned artist Max Kratz, is a testament to the city’s artistic and industrial heritage. This 36 meter high, colossal work of art, weighing in at a hefty 30 tons, was originally located in front of Dusseldorf’s former city hall on Fischerstrasse, before it was relocated to its current spot near the airport. Its V-shaped form sparks a variety of interpretations, evoking images of a stylized wheel, a key symbol of Dusseldorf, or a bird spreading its wings for flight.
The choice of the airport as its new home was deliberate, highlighting the city’s dynamic character and its role as a gateway to the world. The pylon’s unique design, with its smooth, silver-plated exterior, reflects the sunlight or the airport’s night lights, adding to its dynamic presence. The contrasting linear structures on the inner sides of the wings, however, offer a sense of stability and grounding. The pylon, known by various names like Radschläger, Düssel-Schwingen, and Stählemen Schwingen, is a testament to the creative spirit of Max Kratz, whose cubist and expressionist influences are evident in his works. Kratz, a goldsmith and graduate of the Dusseldorf Art Academy, became a celebrated artist in the city.
His artistic journey began in 1950, when he started working as a freelance artist in Dusseldorf. He taught sculpture at the Folkwang School and later at the University of Essen. His diverse repertoire, often utilizing unconventional materials, earned him widespread recognition. Beyond the Messezeichen Pylon, his art is visible throughout Dusseldorf, adding to the city’s vibrant artistic landscape. His first commission for the city, the handles on the entrance of the new city treasury, gained notoriety due to their striking depiction of “empty” hands, a statement about the city’s evolving financial landscape. The Messezeichen Pylon stands as a reminder of its former location and its connection to the city’s bustling trade fair business, a significant part of Dusseldorf’s economic story.