Here stands the imposing im Anfang… Sculpture. It is part of Mannheim’s impressive Skulpturenmeile. This sculpture path features over 60 modern works. They represent various trends in contemporary sculpture.
The Skulpturenmeile is part of Mannheim’s Kulturmeile. It stretches along the Augustaanlage. The Kulturmeile includes Technoseum and Planetarium Mannheim. It also includes Kunstverein, Nationaltheater, and Rosengarten congress center. Kunsthalle Mannheim with its sculpture garden also belongs to it. Other members are Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Mannheim, Stadtbibliothek, and Stadthaus N 1. Finally, Hochschule Mannheim, Städtische Musikschule, and Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen are also Kulturmeile members.
Andreas Mader created im Anfang… in 2000. The sculpture combines steel and wood. Two large panels form the main structure. Pieces of wood pierce these panels. These wooden pieces hold a secret. They encrypt the beginning of the Gospel of John. It reads: “Im Anfang war das Wort…” or “In the beginning was the Word…”
The im Anfang… Sculpture invites reflection. It merges art and scripture. Mader’s work stands as a testament to Mannheim’s rich cultural landscape. It enriches the Skulpturenmeile with its thought-provoking design.
The Skulpturenmeile started in 1994. Since then, it has grown into a significant collection. It features both German and international artists. Franz Bernhard’s “Die Grosse Mannheimerin” marks the start. It is also the logo of the Kunstmeile. This sculpture is nearly 13 meters tall.
Mark di Suvero’s “Spring Rain” stands before the Technoseum. This steel sculpture features signal-red beams. Günter Wagner’s “Dynamisches Rechteck” is made from Corten steel. The steel appears cut and bent.
Reinhard Scherer’s “Gestütztes Gefüge” stands before the Mannheimer Kunstverein. Hans Nagel’s untitled tower dates back to 1972. Klaus Duschat’s “Mount Palomar” is now on loan in Heidelberg.
Mo Edoga’s “Himmelskugel” sparked controversy after the artist’s death. The city never owned it. Robert Schad’s “Eisenspiel für Mannheim” uses square steel. Christoph Freimann’s “Grosser Bug 2” is on loan to Heidelberg.
Amadeo Gabino’s “Hommage à Friedrich Schiller” is also in Heidelberg. Max Laeuger’s Carl Benz Denkmal commemorates the automobile’s invention. A bronze replica of the first automobile stands nearby. It was a gift from Daimler AG.
Morice Lipsi’s “La Roue” has a storied past. A truck once hit it. André Volten’s “Luftbrunnen” provides fresh air to the Rosengarten.
The im Anfang… Sculpture is more than just art. It is a gateway to Mannheim’s soul. As you continue along the Skulpturenmeile, remember this fusion. It blends material and spiritual. It showcases Mannheim’s commitment to art.