Erdzeichen

Erdzeichen is a large earth sculpture at Munich Airport covering approximately 270 by 170 meters with deep furrows and gravel banks. These elements form circular patterns and wave-like shapes across the landscape, shifting in appearance with the seasons and sunlight.

The sculpture was completed in 1995 by Wilhelm Holderied and Karl Schlamminger as part of Munich Airport's vision for integrating art into transportation infrastructure. This project allowed the artists to implement large-scale earth shaping ideas within an industrial setting.

The sculpture draws from land art movements and shows connections to contemporary artistic practices of earth reshaping. Its design reflects modern approaches to integrating natural elements with human intervention in public spaces.

The work is best viewed from Terminal 2 of the airport, where patterns become clearer from elevated vantage points. Keep in mind that visibility shifts significantly depending on the direction of light and time of year.

Around four hundred community members contributed to funding this earth artwork, reflecting broad public support for the project. Aerial photographer Klaus Leidorf documented how the sculpture transforms across the seasons from above.

Location: Freising

Inception: 1995

Creator: Wilhelm Holderied

GPS coordinates: 48.35310,11.73170

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03