PROPOSED POPE JOHN PAUL II  LIBRARY & MUSEUM

The location for that complex will be the area between Skalka & Krakow

The library will be housed in the centrally placed cubic structure clad in solar tint glass panels containing voltaic cells. The museum and exhibition places are within the berm structures. The towering statue of:  Pope John Paul II Enlightening the World, a  present to the people of Poland is a welcome symbol to all visitors, believers, and returning displaced people.

The Statue of the Pope's classical appearance (the papal garment a satin simar & calotte, sandals, facial expression) is an expressing of freedom and faith. His raised right foot is on the move. This symbol of Faith and Freedom is not standing still or at attention, he is moving forward, symbolizing Poland's wish to be free from oppression and tyranny. The canon law book in his left hand represents his strong leadership within the catholic belief The general appearance of the statue’s head is in his latter life with his right hand lifted in blessing. It stands atop a freeform rock pedestal with four symbolic rivers.

Yan Rieger will sculpt a model, on a small scale, and will be responsible for the design of the architectural complex. It will be agreed upon that in a joint effort the Polish people will  build the architectural structures, and the American/Polish immigrants will be responsible for the Statue and its assembly in Krakow.

 The copper patina-clad statue, to be dedicated in the year  2020, commemorates the importance and is a gesture of friendship. Yan Rieger will create the statue and obtain a U.S. patent useful for raising construction funds through the sale of miniatures. An engineer will be engaged for the internal structure. Artist Kristof Wrobel will be responsible for the choice of copper in the statue's construction and adoption of the repoussé technique. The statue will be made with sheeting of pure copper, hung on a framework of steel with the exception of the pectoral cross, which is coated in gold leaf. The base is adorned with bas-relief petroglyphs, representing the life of His Holiness John Paul II. The berm foundation surrounding the library is in the shape of an irregular star. The statue will be 45 m tall, with the pedestal and foundation, 90m tall. Worldwide, the Statue of the Pope will be one of the most recognizable icons of Poland and, more generally, represents Faith, Liberty and escape from oppression. The Statue will be an imposing impression for millions of voyagers from Europe and worldwide. Visually, the Statue draws  inspiration from the statue of liberty in NY.

 In Poland, public donations, various forms of entertainment including notably performances, and a charitable lottery can be among the methods used to raise the construction funds. In the United States, benefit events, art exhibitions, auctions will be providing needed funds. Meanwhile in Poland we will require the assistance of an engineer to address structural issues associated with designing such a colossal copper sculpture. We will commission a engineering firm to design the massive iron pylon and secondary skeletal framework which allows the Statue's copper skin to move independently yet stand upright. Artist K. Wrobel will be responsible for this part of the project. In Poland the city of Krakow and the Diocese will establish the site, and authorized the location somewhere between the Wawel and Skalka.

I have the honor to be, Your Eminence

Artist/Sculptor

Yan Rieger

Encl: Colour rendering of design concept