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.
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