Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Denmark Herning Elia

Elia

This huge industrial sculpture looks like a UFO and a factory had a baby.

Herning, Denmark

Added By
Karitxa
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
Elia with scaffolding.   Karitxa / Atlas Obscura User
Elia   Lars Ploug-Sørensen on Flickr
Elia   Frederik in Randers on Flickr
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

Visible in an ominous flash from the train on the way to Herning, Denmark the huge sculpture known as Elia is a jarring black tribute to industrial design via an abstract vision of Hell.

Elia is the creation of Danish sculptor Ingvar Cronhammar whose works often take the shape of angular abstractions that look like nothing so much as art deco flourishes come to life. Finished in 2000, Elia itself is a massive, 200-foot in diameter dome that is capped by four towers that resemble the smokestacks of a mid-century factory. Four equally spaced staircases lead to the top of the dome where visitors can peer down a shaft located between the towering stacks. Most of the time the dark shaft seems to simply lead endlessly into the ground but at a random interval once every 18 days, a gout of flame issues from the depths. The entire work is constructed of pure black metal save for the red caps atop each of the smokestacks which are illuminated each night, giving the piece an even more demonic quality.

Beneath the dome itself, the ground has been carved into a concave bowl and when it storms in the area, the whole piece acts as a giant drum, amplifying any thunder in a dreadful roar. Visitors cannot enter the depths of Elia, but even from the outside, the sculpture's rather imposing atmosphere is communicated for miles around. 

Related Tags

Sculptures Gates To Hell Industrial

Community Contributors

Added By

Karitxa

Edited By

josinevanheek, EricGrundhauser

  • josinevanheek
  • EricGrundhauser

Published

December 30, 2014

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elia_(sculpture)
  • http://iwannagothere.com/things-to-do-in-herning/elia-sculpture/11449
  • http://www.cronhammar.dk/
Elia
Birk Centerpark 15
Herning, 7400
Denmark
56.129471, 9.027054
Visit Website
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Lenin Statue of Herning

Herning, Denmark

miles away

Deep Forest Artland ​Skovsnogen

Kibæk, Denmark

miles away

Velling Koller Fairy Tale Gardens

Bryrup, Denmark

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Denmark

Denmark

Europe

Places 158
Stories 19

Nearby Places

Lenin Statue of Herning

Herning, Denmark

miles away

Deep Forest Artland ​Skovsnogen

Kibæk, Denmark

miles away

Velling Koller Fairy Tale Gardens

Bryrup, Denmark

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Denmark

Denmark

Europe

Places 158
Stories 19

Related Places

  • Giant Wool Wagon

    Kojonup, Australia

    Giant Wool Wagon

    This large replica wagon tells the story of the booming wool industry in this small Australian town.

  • Liverpool, England

    'Penelope' Sculpture

    This whimsical public art installation is a unique homage to Liverpool's industrial heritage.

  • “Terris Novalis.”

    Consett, England

    'Terris Novalis'

    These giant sculptures are supported by a bizarre menagerie of feet.

  • The sculpture in the traffic roundabout.

    Ibi, Spain

    Toy Autogyro Sculpture

    This fantastic sculpture of an early model helicopter celebrates the local toy industry.

  • Sentinel.

    Birmingham, England

    'Sentinel'

    This eye-catching roundabout sculpture commemorates one of England's best World War II-era "shadow factories."

  • 54 Columns by Sol LeWitt

    Atlanta, Georgia

    54 Columns

    Atlanta's strange assortment of concrete pillars inspires reflection in some, confusion in others.

  • The Kvarntorp Pile offers a spectacular view over the surrounding landscape.

    Kvarntorp, Sweden

    A Pile of Art

    An eclectic sculpture park rises atop a giant pile of ashes in Sweden.

  • Look beyond these tank creatures!

    Hillsdale, New York

    Circle Museum

    Eight whimsical acres of metal art.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.