Nana L'ange protecteur

Nana L'ange protecteur hangs above the main concourse of Zurich’s main station in Switzerland. French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle created the sculpture. The work belongs to her Nana series, known for large, colourful female figures with flowing forms. This figure presents a blue body and golden wings. Polyester resin forms the sculpture, while watercolour paint covers its surface with a bright, varied pattern. The angel holds a flask in each hand. Its scale gives the guardian angel a powerful presence among travellers moving through the station concourse. The sculpture rises to about eleven metres in height. Securitas gave the work to commemorate the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the Swiss Federal Railways. Niki de Saint Phalle supervised the installation herself. The sculpture travelled from the United States in three sections, passing through Rotterdam and Basel before reaching Zurich. Its public setting makes modern art part of daily travel. The guardian angel combines protection, femininity and joy within an accessible public artwork for station visitors. The spot is marked as wheelchair accessible for visitors.