Onassis Foundation restores the famous water work “Five Circles” at Omonoia square

Athens and the regeneration of public space are at the heart of the Onassis Foundation raison d’être. In collaboration with the Municipality of Athens and the George Zongolopoulos Foundation, the Onassis Foundation gives life to an emblematic work of Athens, “Five Circles” by the internationally acclaimed sculptor George Zongolopoulos, making it again fully functional in accordance with the artist’s vision. An alive work, it also breathes life to the renovated Omonoia Square, where the incessant flow of water gives life to the five metal circles that comprise it, reflecting the pulse of the square right at the heart of the city. The hydrokinetic sculpture was restored with the exclusive support of the Onassis Foundation. Since 14 May 2020, it has been again fully functional after many years.

“Five Circles” was first presented at the Venice Biennale in 2001; it was the last participation to the famous biennale by George Zongolopoulos, aged 100 years old at the time. It was then placed at Omonoia Square. The hydrokinetic sculpture by Zongolopoulos is 15 meters long. Made of stainless steel, it consists of five circles in a cross structure, set in motion through water. The artist’s intention and vision was for the work to be in continuous movement through the incessant flow of water. As he characteristically noted, “the water functions as the sculpture’s blood”. “Five Circles” was fully functional only a few times. This was due, on the one hand, to practical difficulties. On the other, it was related to the continuous work at Omonoia Square. Now, however, the work comes back to life through extensive restoration work. It is returned to the citizens of Athens, underlining the importance of public art in the everyday life of the city.