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Considered an eyesore by many Frankfurters, the run down blue
and gold structure situated in front of the ECB's former
headquarters was dismantled by construction workers, who plan to
fix it up from years of wear and tear, including attacks by
protesters.
Owned by the non-profit Frankfurter Kultur Komitee, the common
currency's best known symbol will get fashionable LED lighting
and new panels at a cost of up to 60,000 euros, financed by
donations, including from the ECB, the Bundesbank and private
individuals.
The work, which is expected to conclude by Friday, starts as the
currency faced its biggest test with policymakers openly
discussing Greece's exit from the bloc after it rejected bailout
terms in a hastily called referendum on Friday.
Designed by artist Ottmar Hörl, the euro sculpture has been
among the most photographed landmarks in Frankfurt and the work
caps years of bickering over the renovation.
"The sculpture is the most photographed and most published
symbol of the city, the most published work of art, plus it is a
magnet for tourists," Hörl said earlier.
"Despite all of the issues, I still consider the currency union
and the efforts for a combined and solidly united Europe to be
one of the greatest achievements of the 21st century."
(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Toby Chopra)
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