Sculpture Cor-ten, Abstract sculpture at Thessaloniki International Fair, Greece

Sculpture Cor-ten is a 17-metre metal work by George Zongolopoulos at the Sintrivaniou Square, by the northern gate of the Thessaloniki International Fair. Its abstract forms, which the sculptor said evoke the Winged Victory of Samothrace, are made of Cor-ten steel brought from France. The alloy of steel and copper develops a dark brown patina that fixes over time.

The sculpture was selected in 1966 through a competition organized by DETH, initiating the modernization of the fairgrounds. This project marked a turning point in how the city presented public art during that growth period.

The sculpture draws from the spirit of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, reinterpreted through the vision of Greek sculptor George Zongolopoulos. Visitors can see how it bridges classical ideals with modern artistic expression.

The work stands freely on the fairgrounds and is easily accessible from the outside, especially from the northern entrance. Visitors should plan for the best lighting in early morning or late afternoon to see the forms and rusty-brown surface texture clearly.

Zongolopoulos brought the Cor-ten alloy from France specifically for this work. Left exposed, the steel-copper alloy forms a dark brown patina that stabilises over time and needs no protective paint or anti-rust coating, since the first oxidation does not reach the deeper layers of the metal.