Imagine a masterpiece, lost for decades, only to be rediscovered in a dusty basement and now proudly displayed for all to see. This is the incredible story of a rare Harry Bertoia sculpture, a mid-century marvel that has found its new home in the atrium of Detroit’s iconic Hudson’s/General Motors headquarters. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: this isn’t just any sculpture—it’s a piece with a history as intricate as its design, and its journey back to the spotlight is nothing short of remarkable.
Originally commissioned in 1970 for Flint’s Genesee Valley Center, the sculpture featured two massive ‘clouds’ of brazed metal rods, affectionately dubbed ‘sunlit straw.’ These ethereal forms once floated in the mall’s multistory court, captivating visitors with their delicate yet commanding presence. However, after the mall’s renovation in 1980, the artwork vanished from public view, seemingly lost to time. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t until 2017 that the sculpture was found in a derelict state, tucked away in the basement of Southfield’s Northland Mall. Its rediscovery sparked a labor of love, as General Motors stepped in to restore the piece to its former glory.
The restoration process was no small feat. Natalie Morath, GM’s lead archivist and curator, described it as a challenging yet deeply rewarding endeavor. ‘Handling a sculpture of that size, especially one that had been stored underground for years, required a lot of care and collaboration,’ she explained. The piece was initially found in two separate, heavily damaged sections, looking more like a ‘crazy mess of metal rods’ than the masterpiece it once was. Yet, with the help of Celia Bertoia, the artist’s daughter and head of the Bertoia Foundation, and Michigan-based conservation specialists Flatlanders, the sculpture was meticulously brought back to life.
But here’s where it gets controversial: GM initially considered placing the sculpture at its Technical Center campus in Warren, already home to another monumental Bertoia piece from 1953. However, the newly restored sculpture proved too large for the site. Instead, it found its perfect match in the atrium of the new Hudson’s headquarters. ‘When we saw the renderings of that space, it was like it was meant to be,’ Morath recalled. The installation required ingenuity, as the construction team had to ‘unzip’ the side of the building to move the sculpture in, securing it with cables from the internal balconies. It was a true team effort, and the result is nothing short of breathtaking.
For Morath, the acquisition and installation of the sculpture are a source of immense pride. ‘At GM, we’re already custodians of incredible artworks,’ she noted, citing pieces like Alexander Calder’s ‘Water Ballet’ and Charles Scheeler’s painting of GM’s innovations. ‘But this Bertoia sculpture has a special place in our collection. It connects us to Detroit’s rich artistic heritage, from Bertoia’s roots at Cass Tech and Cranbrook to his collaborations with other Detroit luminaries. It’s a full-circle moment that feels almost too good to be true.’
Celia Bertoia, who runs the Utah-based foundation dedicated to preserving her father’s legacy, called the sculpture ‘very important.’ She recalled the moment she received photos of the rediscovered piece: ‘I couldn’t even fully tell what it was at first, but after researching, we confirmed it was the original Genesee mall sculpture. It was a wonderful surprise, and now it’s in a glorious spot where everyone can enjoy it.’
As the sculpture hangs proudly in its new home, it raises a thought-provoking question: How many other lost masterpieces are waiting to be rediscovered? And what stories will they tell when they finally see the light of day? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this incredible journey and the power of art to endure across time.
