One of the most identifiable buildings in New Zealand has long been Wellington Airport: the soaring Hobbit Eagles. Inspired by the great universe of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, these famous sculptures have welcomed many people as they set foot in Middle-earth. But in a big change, these massive eagle sculptures will soon be removed to provide space for a new mystery display. This blog investigates the background of the Hobbit Eagles, the causes behind their removal, and how this may affect Wellington Airport’s displays going forward.
Why are the dwarves leaving?
Standing boldly outside Wellington Airport for more than ten years, the Hobbit Eagles provide visitors landing in New Zealand an amazing and immersive experience. Under Sir Peter Jackson’s direction, these magnificent sculptures debuted in 2013, right around the premiere of The Hobbit trilogy. The movies highlighted New Zealand’s stunning scenery, and the airport’s eagle sculptures honored the nation’s key part in realizing Tolkien’s fantasy world. Since then, the Hobbit Eagles have become a sort of unofficial emblem of Wellington and a main draw for visitors.
Hard to miss, each of the Hobbit Eagles weighs 1.2 tonnes (1,200 kg) and has a wingspan of 15 metres (49 feet). Wētā Workshop, the same special effects firm in charge of designing costumes, props, and creatures for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie franchises, painstakingly created the sculptures with amazing attention to detail. For both movie buffs and fans of the series, the sculptures provided an immersive experience with hundreds of feathers and even a monument of Gandalf set on the rear of one of the eagles.
Matt Clarke, the CEO of Wellington Airport, spoke about the emotional side of taking down these cherished pieces. “Although airborne departures from Wellington Airport are not unusual, in this case it will be emotional for us,” Clarke added. For almost ten years, the airport’s identity included the Hobbit Eagles; their absence signifies the end of an era for the airport as well as for New Zealand’s relationship to the mythical world of The Hobbit.
The future of the Hobbit Eagles is what?
The Hobbit Eagles will be meticulously kept once removed. Many supporters are asking if these famous pieces of art will ever make a comeback in another form, as the airport has not yet revealed any ideas for the future movement of the sculptures. Right present, the airport is collaborating with Wētā Workshop to create a new, regionally inspired display meant to replace the eagles. Although the specifics of this new exhibit are yet unknown, Wellington Airport is dedicated to preserving its link to the film tradition of New Zealand.
“We are working with Wētā Workshop on some interesting ideas for a unique, locally themed replacement to take their place,” Clarke said. “We’ll reveal what’s next later this year; keep observing the heavens.”
This decision to open a fresh show is not unexpected. The airport has kept a close relationship with the film business over the years, especially with The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Among the other ways the airport honored New Zealand’s contribution to the popularity of these movies was the Hobbit Eagles. The forthcoming show will probably keep this concept, highlighting more of New Zealand’s cinematic past or providing a fresh draw for both locals and visitors. Read another article on the Philadelphia Eagles
What Does This Mean for the Legacy of Wellington Airport?
Although the elimination of the Hobbit Eagles could leave a hole for many who have come to identify them with the airport, Wellington Airport’s dedication to honoring The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings remains unbroken. The airport is still the main entrance for foreign visitors visiting New Zealand, especially to see the Middle-earth universe.
One important element of Middle-earth will be firmly anchored at the airport: the terrible dragon from The Hobbit, Smaug the Magnificent. Unlike the Hobbit Eagles, Smaug will remain stationary and enthrall guests with its lifelike look and complex construction. Wētā Workshop also developed the dragon, which has become somewhat noticeable in the Wellington Airport experience for years. This guarantees that, even without the famous eagles, fans of the franchise will still be able to enjoy Tolkien’s world.
Eliminating the Hobbit Eagles calls for more than simply the loss of two big statues. Wellington Airport is changing and seeking to provide fresh experiences fit for the evolving interests of passengers. Fans and guests will probably find this change to be seamless if the airport can adapt and innovate while yet honoring its cinematic history.
What became of the Hobbit Eagles in the 2014 earthquake?
Wellington experienced a small earthquake in 2014; one of the Hobbit Eagles fell from its platform. The occurrence generated quite a sensation since the sculpture dropped out of nowhere. Luckily, nobody was hurt and the eagle was rapidly put back in its correct position. This event brought attention to the great weight and scale of the Hobbit Eagles as well as the fragility of big public art projects in a region likely to experience earthquakes.
Notwithstanding this small setback, the visual scene of the airport stayed mostly composed of the Hobbit Eagles. Their longevity was evidence of the painstaking workmanship of Wētā Workshop, who made sure the sculptures would resist unanticipated circumstances including earthquakes and maintain their artistic integrity.
Next for Wellington Airport and the Hobbit Eagles?
Fans that visited the Hobbit Eagles will surely carry their legacy with them even as we say goodbye to them. Although the choice to remove the sculptures could be challenging, it creates new possibilities. The airport’s dedication to provide visitors unforgettable and interesting experiences is relentless, and the forthcoming mystery exhibit seems to carry on that history forward.
The Hobbit Eagles will never be forgotten, even if they might be extinct very soon. Their influence on the New Zealand cinematic scene and the character of the airport is unbounded. A new exhibit will keep Wellington Airport modern and contemporary while also honoring the country’s relationship to Middle-earth.
In the end: Accepting the Future while Respectful of the Past
One of the most recognizable aspects of Wellington Airport will always be The Hobbit Eagles. Though it may be distressing, their leaving is a logical progression from the airport. Wellington will continue to have Middle-earth alive and well with a new exhibit on the way, and Smaug still enthralls visitors.
The Hobbit Eagles will always be a part of New Zealand’s film legacy as visitors and supporters look ahead. Watch Wellington Airport for what lies ahead; you won’t want to miss the next chapter in the story of this famous site.
