Christ the Redeemer statue to be restored

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro's landmark statue, will go under maintenance work following damage caused by a thunderstorm on Thursday (Jan. 16). The project will be a collaboration between Italian tire maker Pirelli and the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro. The statue is located at the peak of the Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park.

As part of the agreement announced on Monday (Jan. 20), which will last for a year and may be extended, Pirelli has donated $814 million to the Archdiocese. Technology solutions are also being considered to provide extra protection to the monument. Even as the execution phase begins Tuesday (Jan. 21), the location will remain open to visitors.

Pirelli's executive director for South America, Paolo Dal Pino, said that the company is “honored to the restoration of Rio's icon, and one of the seven wonders of the world.”

The soapstone statue is 38 meters high and was opened in 1931. It was designed by engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, with the final design by Carlos Oswald, whereas the arms and face were made by French sculptor Paul Landowski. The monument was chosen one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2009.

Translated by Mayra Borges