A Monument to Raoul Wallenberg
Artist: Gustav Kraitz
Place: USA, New York
Opening: 19/11 1998

Born in Hungary in 1926, renowned sculptor Gustav Kraitz was studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest at the same time Wallenberg disappeared from the city. Through the years, the story of Wallenberg’s bravery haunted Kraitz until finally, in 1998, the artist unveiled his stunning tribute to the man.

Located near the United Nations building in New York, Hope is a remarkable assemblage of elements including cobblestones taken from the ghetto in Budapest, five monoliths of black Swedish diabase, and a beautifully fired blue ceramic globe which represents hope for the future. Hope is the story of this monument and the compelling individual who inspired it.*



1. The magnificent Hope monument infront of the UN building.


2. The blue sphere - blue being the traditional color of hope.


3. The high majestic pillars raising in the air.


4. Raoul Wallenberg's attaché case made in bronze, left behind and filled with documents pertaining to his mission.







For more information and great photographs of the Hope monument, please order the book "Hope".

Sculpture by Gustav Kraitz
Introduction by Kofi Annan
Text and Photographs by David Finn

You can find it at www.overlookpress.com