Leisure time
54,000 puzzle pieces in 99 days – world record
Hans-Josef Schaadt puts the finishing touches to his record-breaking puzzle. photo
© Laszlo Pinter/dpa
Whether it was a holiday or a weekend: Hans-Josef Schaadt was working on a puzzle. But not just any picture, but a giant picture. The Saarlander’s goal was a world record. Now he received an answer.
“The certificate will have a place of honor in the living room,” Schaadt told the German Press Agency. “My daughter and son are also getting one – I have ordered several.” The former miner added the final parts on Sunday in the festival hall in Oberkirchen. “The day exceeded my expectations,” he said.
The previous record was 137 days. Schaadt has been building the 2.04 by 8.64 meter picture since October 1, 2023, which shows, among other things, more than 55 classic paintings such as the world-famous “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci. He keeps the puzzle, which weighs around 30 kilograms, glued to several plates in three suitcases. “If someone would like to see the puzzle in a town hall or school for a few weeks, I would be happy to do that,” Schaadt said.
The RID, based in Hamburg, collects and tests top performances from the German-speaking area, recognizes world records and officially certifies them by presenting record certificates.