Device to Root out Evil

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Once you reach the charming little Santa Catalina square, you're probably doing a double-take at this tiny church that looks completely upside down, precariously balanced on its bell tower. What on earth is this thing, and how did it end up here? Well, there's quite a story behind it! This wasn't originally meant to be here at all. It was created by American sculptor Dennis Oppenheim, who initially called it simply "Church" and planned to install it on Church Street in New York, where he lived. But the city rejected it, finding the name too provocative. So he renamed it "Device to Root Out Evil" and showcased it at the Venice Biennale in 1997. Stanford University was all set to buy it in 2003, but at the last minute their president backed out, declaring the sculpture "too inappropriate for campus." So off it went to Canada, where it found a temporary home in a Vancouver public park during a sculpture biennial. But controversy followed it there too - people were deeply uncomfortable with the religious symbolism. After all, pointing a church steeple toward hell instead of heaven was bound to ruffle some feathers! The sculpture then moved to Calgary's Glenbow Museum, where it stayed until 2014. Finally, this wandering church found its permanent home right here in Palma - quite ironic for such a Catholic city! It's now positioned near the Museum of Modern Art. This 7.5-meter-high structure of glass and steel isn't in the best condition these days, unfortunately. But here's a tip - it looks absolutely spectacular when it's lit up at night!

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