World Peace Statue (Statue for Peace)
About World Peace Statue (Statue for Peace)
A 10-meter stainless steel sculpture by Chinese artist Yao Yuan, donated by the Chinese Peace Foundation and unveiled on June 3, 2004, for the 60th anniversary of D-Day. The statue depicts a young woman transforming into a bird while releasing a dove, symbolizing the transition from war to peace. It stands at the entrance to Grandcamp-Maisy, about 4 km from Pointe du Hoc where US Rangers scaled cliffs on June 6, 1944. The red granite pedestal represents blood shed during WWII, while the stainless steel and sky reflect peace and hope. Located in a small park with free parking, the monument is accessible around the clock and offers particularly striking views at sunset when light plays across the metallic surface.
Interesting Facts
Artist Yao Yuan was sentenced to hard labor in a factory during China's Cultural Revolution. His transformation from political prisoner to internationally recognized peace sculptor mirrors the statue's own symbolism of metamorphosis from darkness to light.
Twenty Chinese craftsmen from Yao Yuan's workshop were specially flown to Normandy in 2004 to assemble the 12-ton stainless steel sculpture. The installation took several weeks as the complex geometric forms required precise alignment.
The statue includes hidden symbolism in its design: two Chinese characters meaning 'Modesty and Harmony' along with the letters V for Victory and W representing World, Worship, and Warmth are incorporated into the metalwork.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
30 Rue du Commandant Philippe Kieffer, 14450 Grandcamp-Maisy, France
Website
http://peace.statue.free.fr/Day Routes
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