The Waldorf Astoria’s Iconic ‘Spirit of Achievement’ Statue Now Has a Twin in Iceland

The Spirit of Achievement statue stood sentry over the Waldorf Astoria New York’s Park Avenue entrance from the day it opened in 1931 until 2017, when it was removed for restoration and safekeeping while the building underwent its transformation into the forthcoming Waldorf Astoria Residences New York. Designed by groundbreaking Icelandic artist Nína Sæmundsson and chosen from among 400 competing entries, the statue embodied the innovation and ambition that the Art Deco hotel shared with its home city.

Now, with the help of 3D-scanning technology, the Spirit of Achievement’s twin has been unveiled on August 22, what would have been Sæmundsson’s 131th birthday, in the center of Hvolsvöllur, a small town in South Iceland near her birthplace.

New York-based MYND Workshop was commissioned to scan all of the landmarked heritage spaces at the Waldorf Astoria in addition to the Spirit of Achievement. The cost of the scans was donated by hotel owner Dajia US to Iceland as a gift in honor of Sæmundsson’s contribution to the hotel.

When the hotel went under construction to become a 375-key hotel and 375 condominium residences, the ten-foot tall statue was removed along with another famous building artifact, 1893 World’s Fair Clock, now fully restored and on display at the New-York Historical Society. Both will return to the hotel when it reopens in late 2024.

The hotel’s restoration, overseen by renowned architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, will result in new contemporary condominium residences beginning on the 19^th floor, featuring sophisticated interiors and amenities by internationally renowned designer Jean-Louis Deniot. Creating a truly modern experience within the building’s historic framework, the wide variety of residences will range from gracious studios to opulent four bedrooms and penthouses, many with unique floorplans and private outdoor spaces.

Residents will have access to over 50,000 square feet of private residential amenities, ranging from health and wellness to entertaining and business spaces, including the stunning 25-meter Starlight Pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, opulent private spas for men and women, and numerous entertaining spaces to support private functions. Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is the exclusive marketing and sales agent.