Exploring Zagreb’s Grounded Sun and hidden solar system

The Grounded Sun (Photo credit: Boška i Krešo/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Zagreb is known for its historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and picturesque streets. However, tucked away in the heart of the city lies a celestial secret waiting to be discovered – an installation known as Nine Views, a cosmic masterpiece that brings the Solar System to the streets of Zagreb.

The story begins in 1971 when artist Ivan Kožarić unveiled the mesmerizing Prizemljeno Sunce, or The Grounded Sun, a captivating bronze sphere standing proudly at 2 meters (6 ft 7 in) in diameter. 

Over the years, this sun-shaped sculpture embarked on a journey, changing locations until it found its current home on Bogovićeva Street in 1994.

The Grounded Sun on Bogovićeva Street (Photo credit: Boška i Krešo/Zagreb Tourist Board)

Fast forward to 2004, when artist Davor Preis took inspiration from Kožarić’s work and embarked on an astronomical mission of his own. Following a two-week exhibition at the Josip Račić Exhibition Hall, Preis strategically placed nine models representing the planets of our Solar System across Zagreb. 

Each model, meticulously positioned at various locations, adheres to the same scale as the Prizemljeno Sunce, forming a scaled-down celestial neighbourhood.

However, Preis’s ambitious project didn’t come with fanfare or widespread publicity. Instead, it remained a well-kept secret, known only to a select few. Intriguingly, it was often physics students and curious individuals who stumbled upon this cosmic treasure, sparking a quest to uncover the entire Solar System scattered across the city.

For those embarking on this astronomical adventure, the hunt begins at different addresses:

Mercury resides at 3 Margaretska Street.

Venus is at 3 Ban Josip Jelačić Square.

Venus (Photo: Ex13/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Earth is at 9 Varšavska Street.

Mars claims its spot at 21 Tkalčićeva Street.

Mars (Photo: Ex13/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Jupiter stands tall at 71 Voćarska Street.

Saturn makes its presence felt at 1 Račićeva Street.

Saturn (Photo: Ex13/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Uranus awaits discovery at 9 Siget (across the street from the residential building).

Uranus Photo:SpeedyGonsales /BY-SA 3.0)

Neptune hides at Kozari 17.

Pluto once rested in Bologna Alley underpass – though someone took it away, the memory lingers with a remaining plaque.

The entire system is crafted at a remarkable 1:680,000,000 scale. Earth’s model, a mere 1.9 cm (0.75 in) in diameter, maintains a distance of 225 meters (246 yards) from the model of the sun. Meanwhile, Pluto, the dwarf planet, stands at a distant 7.7 kilometres (4.8 miles) from the centre of this miniature cosmic masterpiece.

So, next time you wander the streets of Zagreb, keep an eye out for it.