The Angel of the North

The Angel of the North

Although there are no angels in this world, everyone yearns to see one. In Gateshead, on the outskirts of Newcastle in the UK, stands the largest sculpture in Britain — the Angel of the North, a renowned landmark of Northern England.

This colossal sculpture, the Angel of the North, can be described as having an awe-inspiring presence. Standing uniquely by the River Tyne, it is a modern outdoor steel sculpture, 20 meters high with a wingspan of 54 meters. It was completed in 1998 by the celebrated sculptor Antony Gormley. Nearly 150,000 tourists visit each year, imitating the angel’s outstretched arms for photos with their cameras.

Gormley disliked Christianity’s view of the body as sinful and the soul as burdened with original sin due to Adam and Eve. He believed that the Christian notion of the soul’s eternity is fundamentally flawed. We can only live in the present, and we must strive to act directly, freeing ourselves from contrary behavior — this is the very design philosophy behind the Angel of the North.

Angel of the North

Must-visit reason: The largest sculpture in Britain

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Tyne and Wear County [Tyne and Wear County]

City where the attraction is located: Gateshead [Gateshead]