Google Sightseeing takes you on tour of the world as seen from satellite, using the free Google Earth program, or Google Maps in your web browser. Each weekday your guides James and Alex present new weird and wonderful sights as suggested by readers.

The editors: James & Alex

Spindle

Wednesday, 5th July 2006 by Alex

If I told you that this tall shadow in a car park in Berwyn, Illinois was cast by a huge sculpture made from eight real cars impaled on a massive metal spike, would you believe me? I know it sounds ridiculous, but if you’ve seen Wayne’s World you might remember this artwork, which was created by Dustin Shuler in 1989 and is entitled ‘Spindle’. If you look closely you can just make out the red Volkswagen Beetle at the top of the pile.

Thanks to Brian Schlosser and Joel Roller.

14 Responses to 'Spindle'

  1. 1. Ray says:

    Yeah! Berwyn! Resident here.

    This sculpture is still somewhat divisive among the residents here as to whether it’s an eyesore or not. I personally love it. By the way, at the southwest corner of this plaza (on the west side of the small section that juts out is what I believe is a flattened Ford Pinto nailed onto the wall. The whole plaza is full of strange artwork.

  2. 2. Ben says:

    Yes, I think I can make out the Arbre Magique - looks like sandlewood. Or maybe I need my eyes testing.

  3. 3. Timhogs says:

    Just to the northwest is the first of a *massive* chain of cemeteries…

    Oh, wait, this is in Illinois…make that a *massive* chain of residences for vitality-impaired voters…

  4. 4. Phillip says:

    Nice find! Wayne’s World immediately came to mind when I saw “cars” and “metal spike”.

  5. 5. Cory says:

    Nice timing. I was just earlier this week talking to a friend about needing to go visit this sculpture some Saturday afternoon.

  6. 6. ZNO says:

    dues .. this is cool!!

    we blogged a 3D model for GE a while back .. enjoy!
    http://znonz.blogspot.com/2006/04/car-spindle-berwin-illinois-3d-model.html

  7. 7. Mike C says:

    Heeey, cool, didn’t expect to see that here. I live a few blocks away from that plaza, and I’ve always loved that huge sculpture ^__^

  8. 8. Jerry says:

    A little joke played on rookie Berwyn police is to send them to a 6 car pile up at 22nd & Harlem

  9. 9. Maggie says:

    We’ve got a grassroots movement already going to make sure the Spindle stays in Berwyn. Please visit http://www.savethespindle.com.

  10. 10. John says:

    Excellent!

  11. 11. Mike says:

    Does anyone know if this fun piece of art is still standing? I recommend on my blog to visit it quick before it’s gone. I had read that it was scheduled to be removed (or moved) by now.

    See my post here Spindle by Dustin Shuler.

  12. 12. Maggie says:

    Yes, as of December 3rd, 2007, the Spindle IS still standing. The rumor is that there are some issues between Walgreens and the City/Berwyn Main Street and their architectural vision for the new store.

  13. 13. Mike says:

    Hopefully they can keep it (if not at its current position, then somewhere nearby)!

  14. 14. Mike says:

    I’ve been told the Spindle has come down. :-(

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