Giant Gollum sculpture in Wellington Airport, Film character sculpture at Wellington Airport, New Zealand
The oversized Gollum sculpture hangs from the ceiling of Wellington International Airport's main terminal area and commands immediate attention. The figure stretches its arms in a distinctive pose, surrounded by large fish that echo the character's story.
Weta Workshop created this sculpture in October 2012 to mark the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. The team completed the work in just three nights, making it a swift yet significant addition to the airport terminal.
The sculpture celebrates the connection between New Zealand and the Middle-earth films that shaped the country's modern identity. Visitors recognize the character immediately, and the installation reminds them of the filmmaking legacy rooted here.
The sculpture sits in the public terminal area and can be viewed from various angles as you move through the airport. It helps to arrive early or allow extra time to explore, since this spot can get crowded during busy travel periods.
Japanese artist Masayuki Ohashi crafted this work using innovative techniques with polystyrene and epoxy resin. He combined chainsaw and robotic methods to shape the details, showing a modern artistic approach that blends handwork and technology.
Location: Wellington City
GPS coordinates: -41.32889,174.81139
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:49
Statues of film and television characters are displayed in streets, parks, and airports of many cities around the world. These bronze and metal monuments honor figures who have made a mark in the history of cinema. From the giant sculpture of Marilyn Monroe in Palm Springs, recreating the famous scene from "Seven Year Itch," to the 4-meter statue of Charlie Chaplin installed outside the Corsier-sur-Vevey museum in Switzerland, these installations allow visitors to explore film legends' legacies. Some locations concentrate several of these sculptures. At Leicester Square, London's cinema district, nine bronze statues depict characters like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Indiana Jones, Bugs Bunny, and Mr. Bean. Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars features a statue of Bruce Lee in a fighting stance. In Wellington, New Zealand, the airport hosts a large-scale Gollum from The Lord of the Rings. These landmarks provide photo opportunities and encourage exploration of the cities where they are located.
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