The Cosmos sculpture is the creation of German artist Ottmar Hollmann, who also produced other works for Jeddah’s beautification project.
Sitting on a 8.5m mound base, it has a total height of more than 44 meters and is claimed to be one of the world’s largest pieces of art. It took seven years to complete with Ottmar Hollman creating the parts in Germany that were then shipped to Jeddah for assembly.
The steel tubes represent the galaxy and orbits, wilst the three large balls represent planets and are embossed with intricate designs. The mound base depicts the solar system in the form of a stunning colorful two million piece tile mosaic, which was created in Italy, shipped to Jeddah, and was then installed over two months by Italian craftsman. Also there is blue and white Arabic script inscribed on the base of the monument that is a verse from the Holy Qur'an (36:38-40) about the phases of the moon: "38. And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him), The Exalted in Might, The All-Knowing. 39. And the Moon, We have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk. 40. It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: East (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law)."
Ottmar Hollmann is a German sculptor who was living in Dusseldorf in 1958.
