Rio’s Christ statue back in plain sight after $4M, four-month renovation
By APWednesday, June 30, 2010
Renovations complete for Rio’s Christ statue
RIO DE JANEIRO — Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ statue is back in plain sight after a four-month renovation.
Scaffolding had encircled the mountaintop monument that overlooks Rio’s white-sand beaches as workers repaired its eroded face and hands.
The $4 million renovation to the 125-foot (38-meter) Christ the Redeemer statue was funded through public and private donations.
The Archdiocese of Rio that manages the statue says it will be bathed in yellow and green light Wednesday night to honor Brazil’s national football team as it plays in the World Cup.
In April, vandals spray-painted phrases like “when the cat is away, the mice play” on the statue. Officials said it was the first act of vandalism to occur on the statue erected in 1931.
