Gëlle Fra in Luxembourg, Luxembourg
The Place de la Constitution in Luxembourg City features the Monument of Remembrance, topped by the Gëlle Fra, a golden statue of the goddess Niké. This iconic statue, standing 3.3 meters tall, symbolizes the city and holds deep emotional significance for Luxembourgers. Its creation in 1923 was a citizen-led initiative to honor soldiers from World War I. The monument's design competition was won by Claus Cito. During the Nazi occupation in 1940, attempts were made to demolish the monument, an event that sparked public outcry. The Gëlle Fra was ultimately toppled and broken into three pieces, hidden by a local shop owner. The pedestal was also dismantled, with municipal workers forced to complete the task under threat. Following liberation, the pedestal and smaller statues were reinstalled in the early 1950s. However, the Gëlle Fra remained missing for decades, discovered only in 1981 under stadium stands. After restoration, it was finally unveiled in 1985, albeit with a slight posture change due to its fall. In 2010, the statue traveled to the Shanghai World Expo, a move opposed by many citizens. Upon its return, it was displayed in the sculptor's hometown, attracting significant public interest, reaffirming its cherished status. The Gëlle Fra was finally reinstalled on its monument in 2011.
