The Sihl-Ghüür: Zürich’s Guiding Dragon

On an ordinary day in Zurich, as I pass by the Quellenstrasse tram stop near Limmatplatz, I always notice a large, friendly figure basking in the sun. This curious creature with a long tail brings a smile to my face each time I see it. Today, I decided to delve into its story and discover more about its origins.

This charming figure is called Sihl-Ghüür Ivika, and her creation dates back to June 11, 1986. Crafted by the renowned Swiss sculptor Peter Meister, she stands as a unique and playful public artwork. Her name, Sihl-Ghüür, is a delightful wordplay in Zurich dialect. It combines Sihl, the nearby river, and Ghüür, meaning "monster" in the local tongue. The name “Ivika,” however, is deeply personal—it is the name of the sculptor's daughter, who shares her name with this whimsical creature.

At first glance, you might think Ivika is a fantastical monster, perhaps a dinosaur or even a dragon, but she is something entirely unique—a sculpture that plays with the boundary between art and function. Ivika stretches an incredible 100 meters in length, making her the longest sculpture in Zurich. However, the visible sculpture is only a fraction of her length, standing at 4.5 meters. The rest of her tail is cleverly hidden underground, emerging only in the form of marble blocks scattered along her route. The tail culminates in a grand, 2.5-meter-high section that swings upwards, just outside the entrance to the Health Centre for the Elderly (GZA). This tail acts as a playful marker, guiding people and serving as both an aesthetic and functional element of the urban landscape.

Peter Meister, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 65, created Sihl-Ghüür Ivika as part of Zurich's growing collection of public art pieces. His works, such as fountains and sculptures, often carry a sense of whimsy and engagement with the environment. Ivika’s tail, stretching across the public space, encourages curiosity and wonder, and invites passersby to pause and reflect on the unusual sculpture embedded in the everyday landscape.

Although it is not known how Ivika, the daughter, feels about being immortalized in marble, one thing is certain: her namesake has captured the heart of Zurich. The good-humored nature of the sculpture—always basking in the sun and appearing to smile—has made it a beloved figure for locals and visitors alike. Next time you pass by the Quellenstrasse tram stop, take a moment to say hello to Zurich’s friendliest “monster” and perhaps reflect on the lighthearted nature of public art in the city.

Text by Donna Leonard