In brief
The beloved eagle sculptures, inspired by JRR Tolkien's works, will be removed to make room for a new mystery exhibit, although their legacy continues with the presence of Smaug.
For over a decade, a stunning pair of eagle sculptures inspired by JRR Tolkien’s works have graced the ceiling of New Zealand's Wellington Airport, welcoming travelers with a sense of the epic. However, this iconic display is set to change as the airport prepares to unfasten the giant birds on Friday to make way for an undisclosed new exhibit, as confirmed by airport officials.These magnificent eagles, which have served as notable symbols for the airport, featured prominently in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, directed by Sir Peter Jackson. The breathtaking landscapes depicted in these films remain a popular attraction for tourists worldwide, making the eagle sculptures a fitting introduction to New Zealand’s cultural heritage.Matt Clarke, the chief executive of Wellington Airport, expressed a mix of excitement and nostalgia regarding the eagles' removal. “It’s not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us,” he stated. The eagles, each weighing 1.2 tonnes and boasting a striking 15-meter wingspan, will be put into storage without current plans for their long-term future. Adorning one of the birds is a sculpture of the iconic wizard Gandalf, further enriching the whimsy of the installation.Unveiled in 2013 alongside the release of the Hobbit trilogy, the eagles were a creation of Wētā Workshop, the same esteemed company responsible for the unique props and costumes in The Lord of the Rings series. Despite the changes ahead, Mr. Clarke reassured fans that not all hope is lost: “Smaug the Magnificent,” the dragon character from The Hobbit, will continue to be on display in the airport’s check-in area.The original installation made significant waves when, in 2014, one of the eagles fell during an earthquake, though fortunately, no injuries occurred in the incident. As Wellington Airport gears up for a locally-themed replacement exhibit, officials are working closely with Wētā Workshop to reveal what’s next in the coming months, asking visitors to “keep watching the skies.”
