Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Alexander Calder's Final Sculpture Nears Full Return to Capitol Hill

Alexander Calder's last sculpture, "Mountains and Clouds," is nearing its complete reinstallation in the Hart Senate Office Building after a 12-year absence.

The 51-foot-tall "Mountains and Clouds" is unique for combining standing "mountain" elements with hanging "cloud" mobiles, representing Calder's final artistic statement. He presented a model shortly before his death in 1976.

Approved posthumously by his estate, the sculpture was dedicated in 1987. The clouds alone weighed 4,300 pounds. One senator humorously noted its symbolism for politicians.

For about 30 years, the sculpture was a prominent feature. However, in 2014, the clouds were lowered due to earthquake concerns and fully removed in 2016, an action described as a "mutilation."

Efforts to stabilize the work were slow, and the removal of the clouds diminished its compositional balance and meaning.

After 12 years and $12 million in private donations, the clouds have been rebuilt using lighter carbon-fiber composite material. Reinstallation began recently, with crews working to hang, balance, and motorize the clouds to rotate around the mountain peaks as originally intended.

The original installation faced difficulties, and the clouds had been stationary since 1992. Officials anticipate the clouds may begin rotating by November.

A spokesperson for the Calder Foundation expressed excitement about the restoration progress.

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