For $79,000, this elaborate and extravagant personal Spaceship Earth could be yours. The new limited edition Arribas Brothers model is now available at World Showcase in EPCOT.
A Slightly Expensive Spaceship Earth Keepsake
The piece itself is gargantuan and glistening, hand-set with 122,800 Austrian crystal stones in the pointage technique. To quantify its scarcity, only 150 have been produced, and each took 459 hours to complete.
If anyone does have the colossal amount greater than the median US annual income ready to expend, purchases of this rare piece can be made at Kunstarbeit in Kristall in the Germany Pavilion.
A $99,000 multi-color commemorative edition celebrating the park’s 40th anniversary has previously been sighted in this shop. For that particular design, only 40 were made.
Each Spaceship Earth is paired with a unique Certificate of Authenticity, signed by Rudy Arribas and notating which chronological number each piece is in the edition. The model currently on display is the second produced of the total 150.
The EPCOT icon rests upon silver-colored supports, with a base resembling marble, encircled by plain black. A silver EPCOT emblem can also be seen on the black portion of the base.
If anyone out there can afford one of these, be sure to thank the Phoenicians for such good fortune.
Earlier in the 40th anniversary festivities, crystal replicas of the park’s entrance pylons also debuted at a smaller price point of $1,250. These are all highly valuable, delicate collector’s items — using them as a toy is not advised, unless you’re willing and prepared for some damage.
Origins of the Arribas Brothers
The art of glass blowing and cutting practiced by the Arribas Brothers has been a part of Disney Parks heritage since the 1960s. As described on their own official website, Walt Disney first discovered the brothers at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, in which Disney introduced groundbreaking attractions such as Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Carousel of Progress, and Ford’s Magic Skyway,
Impressed by their work stemming from a 100-year old family tradition in Spain, Walt eventually offered them a creative space in Disneyland — initially a small shop within Sleeping Beauty Castle. Today, there are now 19 Arribas Brothers locations in Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe.
Potentially interested in an Arribas Brother piece with a little more affordability? Check out our overview of the new glass mugs and photo frame designed specifically for the Disney100 centennial celebration.
Would you like to display one of these in your home? What’s the most expensive Disney souvenir you’ve ever seen? Let us know in the comments.
There’s plenty of Arribas Brothers merchandise information to explore here:
- New Retro-Style Ombre Mickey & Friends Mugs
- Disney100 Trinket Boxes, and Shot Glasses
- EPCOT 40th Anniversary Selections
Feel welcome to explore some of the final construction projects for the multi-year transformation happening around this park, too:
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana Seemingly Nears Completion
- New Signage and Continuing Work in World Celebration
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