Floralis Genérica is a sculpture made out of aluminum and steel. With its height of 20m, it dominates the United Nations Square of Buenos Aires. The name of the sculpture comes from the so-called “universal flowers”, which honor all flower species of the world. It was installed in 2002, and was at the time the first public sculpture to feature photo-electric sensors.
The magnificent sculpture was gifted to Buenos Aires by famous Argentine architect Eduardo Catalana, who wanted the statue to depict the dynamic nature of time. Catalano’s intent was to synthesize all of the flowers of the world into one shape, in order to depict the hope that emerges with every new day. The statue’s six metal petals open every morning at 8 o’clock, closing only at midnight. They also close when the wind is too strong to prevent any damage to the sculpture as a whole.
However, the petals remain open during the night on four significant dates: 25th May, 21st September, 24th December and 31st December.
photo credit: Nathana Reboucas
