The iconic "Umbrellas" sculpture by renowned Greek artist Georgios Zongolopoulos in Thessaloniki will undergo partial dismantling for extensive restoration work. According to CNN Greece, repairs are necessary for seventeen of the metal umbrellas that make up this beloved public art installation.

The sculpture has suffered significant damage over the years due to a combination of weather exposure, tourists attaching love locks to the structure, and constant touching by visitors. The deterioration has reached a point where safety concerns have prompted city officials to take action to prevent potential accidents.

Beyond the umbrella elements themselves, metal poles and raindrop components of the installation also require restoration work. The exact extent of the damage is currently being assessed by experts. The damaged parts will be transported to Athens, where the Zongolopoulos Foundation will oversee the comprehensive restoration process.

The city of Thessaloniki is also planning a thorough cleaning of the entire installation as part of the restoration project. This maintenance work represents a significant investment in preserving one of the city's most photographed landmarks for future generations.

Since its relocation from the Nautical Club to the waterfront promenade near the statue of Alexander the Great, the sculpture has become one of the most popular photo spots in the northern Greek metropolis. Both tourists and locals are drawn to the striking installation, making it an essential part of Thessaloniki's cultural landscape.

The creator of the work, Georgios Zongolopoulos (1901-2004), stands as one of the most celebrated representatives of modern Greek sculpture. He studied in Greece, France, and Italy, developing a distinctive artistic style that brought him international recognition. Zongolopoulos became most famous for his compositions featuring umbrellas, with the Thessaloniki installation being perhaps his most well-known public work.