The Story of Niki de Saint Phalle's Angel

L’Ange Protecteur by Niki de Saint Phalle. Photo: Augustina Zeya

For many first-time visitors to Zürich, arriving by train, one of the most unforgettable sights is the striking angel that seems to hover above the main concourse of the Hauptbahnhof. With her golden wings and vibrant, colorful form, Niki de Saint Phalle’s L’Ange Protecteur has become a beloved symbol of the city, welcoming travelers in an unexpected burst of whimsy and joy.

Installed on 14 November 1997, the angel’s journey to Zürich was as dramatic as the piece itself. She couldn’t fit onto a cargo plane due to her size, so instead, the sculpture was carefully split into three sections. These parts were shipped from California, passing through Rotterdam and Basel, before arriving in Zürich by low-loader at the early hour.

The artist herself was there to oversee the process but reportedly wasn’t thrilled about the lack of luggage service at the station. This sparked a conversation with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which, as a result, reintroduced their porter service, funded in part by the sale of silk scarves designed by de Saint Phalle herself. It’s a testament to how the artwork not only brightened the station but also influenced the station's services.

The angel, standing at 11 meters tall and weighing 1.2 tonnes, was commissioned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Swiss Federal Railways. Far from being just a monumental sculpture, L’Ange Protecteur is infused with the same spirit that defined Niki de Saint Phalle’s iconic "Nanas", that are strong, bold, and full of life female figures. It is impossible to miss her radiant presence, set against the backdrop of Zürich’s sleek, modern station architecture.

Maintaining the angel's brilliance requires meticulous care. Given the delicate nature of the materials, particularly the watercolors and gold leaf, 90-minute cleaning is performed quarterly using dusters and compressed air to prevent damage. Every 10 to 15 years, a comprehensive restoration is undertaken. This process is performed under the cover of night to ensure the bustling station isn’t disrupted. For this, a cherry-picker is used to reach her lofty heights. In 2018, the sculpture was temporarily relocated within the station for a thorough restoration.

Treated with so much care, L’Ange Protecteur is more than just a sculpture, it’s a symbol of care itself. Breaking away from the traditional male depictions of angels, the female figure was intentionally designed to provide a warm, protective embrace for all who pass through the station. Niki de Saint Phalle wanted her angel to be a comforting motherly presence — a guardian watching over travelers, offering reassurance and warmth. She envisioned the sculpture as a nurturing figure, like a protective hug, reminding everyone that even amidst the rush of travel, there’s always room for a moment of care and solace.

Text by Olena Iegorova

Address: 

Hall of Zürich Hauptbahnhof

Bahnhofplatz

8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Commissioned by: 

Securitas Gruppe, as a gift to commemorate the 150th anniversary of SBB