As Salt Lake City celebrates its selection to host the 2034 Winter Olympic Games, the iconic Olympic cauldron, which once burned brightly during the 2002 games, has undergone a significant renovation. This revitalized landmark now features Bendheim’s innovative laminated glass, enhancing its beauty and safety.
Standing 72-feet tall and constructed with over 700 glass panels, the cauldron embodies a striking “fire and ice” motif, inspired by the themes of the 2002 Winter Olympics: “Light the Fire Within.” The cool hues of the ice-themed panels are a contrast to the flame ignited within the icicle burning at 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The project was spearheaded by Holdman Studios in coordination with Bendheim’s Mountain West representative, LTS.
“Holdman Studios reached out to us and said they were trying to replicate the glass from the original installation,” said Beth Hockett, lead representative at LTS. The renovation process involved removing the existing glass and structural elements and replacing them with the newly fabricated laminated glass accurately replicating the original pieces. Holdman Studios undertook the meticulous task of measuring, cutting and installing the glass pieces, utilizing advanced water jet technology to achieve precise shapes.
Bendheim’s glass was selected not only for its beauty but also for its safety. The laminated glass ensures the glass if broken will remain in place rather than shattering and falling out. A crucial consideration for public installations.
“Tempered and annealed glass falls in pieces when broken,” said James Graham, Project Manager for Holdman Studios. “Laminated glass has a plastic inner layer that holds the glass together, so if anything breaks, it won’t fall and hurt somebody. That was the main purpose of using it on this project.”
The significance of the Olympic Cauldron extends beyond its physical presence; the cauldron has become a landmark in Salt Lake City, representing a proud Olympic legacy that continues to inspire community engagement and international tourism.
Although the last Olympic Games in Utah were held in 2002, the cauldron is still lit today during the University of Utah athletic contests at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The 2002 Games were particularly memorable, as they witnessed nine world records in speed skating, thanks to the low air resistance associated with Salt Lake’s high elevation.
As the 2034 Winter Olympics approach, the revitalized cauldron will stand at the heart of Olympic Park, inviting the public to interact with its new features, including an elevated cascading water feature. This iconic structure will remain a cherished part of Salt Lake City’s landscape for years to come.
