The Castle of Air: Cincinnati’s Most Famous Mirror
Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park’s famous Castle of Air sculpture.
BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH AIR AND DOESN’T REALLY LOOK LIKE A CASTLE?
First off, did you know it was called that? And second, you’re right. The name was chosen by designer Peter Haimerl as an homage to a European hunting lodge, and regardless of how apt it is or isn’t, it surely is a memorable one. As far as its resemblance to a castle, it actually isn’t too far off from its inspiration, the Pagodenburg in Munich, built in Nymphenburg Palace Park between 1716 and 1719. And as a gift from our German sister city, it is more than just a giant hunk of reflective steel, serving instead as a reminder of Cincinnati’s heritage and the friendship between the two.
THE PARK
The sculpture, installed in 2004, is located in the riverfront Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park, a long and winding green space named in honor of the city’s first African American mayor. The park was completed in 2003 and serves as a representation of the art, architecture and nature from five different continents, taking its overall design cues from a friendship bracelet. The two intertwined paths lead through multiple gardens starting with the Pinwheel Sign on the west side and ending with the Crystalline Tower on the east side.
Shortly after entering the park at the west end, you’ll come across the Castle of Air in the Garden of Europe. It can almost be difficult to spot, as you don’t necessarily realize you’re getting close until you see it poking up over the trees. And given that the sculpture is essentially a giant mirror, it really does reflect its surroundings well. On a sunny day, the blinding light might give it away immediately, but on a cloudy day, it might not be as obvious.
THE SCULPTURE
This “castle” borrows more than just its shape from its Munich-based doppelgänger, with the inspiration for the reflective design coming from the various depictions of nature on the Pagondenburg’s walls. So while it clearly doesn’t have paintings, it does, from a distance, create a somewhat analogous effect by mirroring the natural elements surrounding it.
But not until you get up close will you realize just how unique this sculpture truly is. Not only can you walk through it, but the panels extend to the inside, making it feel like you’re in a funhouse. And as none of the panels are straight, the reflections they give off don’t exactly match their sources, scattering stray beams of light in some areas and focusing others intensely in others. It’s no wonder there are signs warning park-goers to stay away from the outside areas when the sun is out. The heat from the conjoined rays is intense, even on cold winter days.
VISIT
The Castle of Air truly is a sight to behold and one of the most interesting pieces of artwork I have ever seen in person, so don’t be surprised if you end up captivated by it like I was. While the rest of the park is absolutely worth exploring, I ended up taking somewhere around 20-30 photos just in that spot.
While it is a sturdy structure, it isn’t immune to damage. There are a few dents, scratches, and, unfortunately, a bit of vandalism. So I can’t stress enough, please be respectful and careful around this iconic piece of artwork.
Visit the Castle of Air at:
1135 Riverside Dr Cincinnati, OH 45202
