Findlingsbrunnen

From glacial plains to city streets. That’s the journey of the boulders at the Findlingsbrunnen. Here at the Findlingsbrunnen, three large glacial erratics rest on a stainless steel pedestal within a basin. One acts as a spring stone. It sprays a fan-shaped jet of water. Another erratic sits in the lower basin. A low surrounding wall, also clad in stainless steel, frames the entire scene. East of the Findlingsbrunnen, you’ll see a solitary boulder on its own stainless steel pedestal. This multi-part fountain installation, designed by Lutz Rudolph, has a fascinating history. The Findlingsbrunnen originated from a request in 1978. The VEB Lufttechnische Anlagen, a state-owned enterprise, wanted to enhance the entrance area of their building on Herzbergstraße. They envisioned a water basin surrounded by flower beds. A collective of artists, including Rudolph, was chosen for the project. The Findlingsbrunnen, initially featuring five boulders on a brick pedestal, was completed in November 1982. The largest boulder, sourced from either Velten, the Rauen Mountains, or Karow/Buch, served as a spring stone. The Findlingsbrunnen faced some challenges over the years. By 1991, it was among 25 fountains in Lichtenberg shut down due to budget constraints. Around 2000, the fountain became inactive and the basin was filled with plants. The Findlingsbrunnen was revitalized in 2001. Architect Gisela Heldt led the redesign. The basin’s edge and the pedestal were covered with stainless steel. The largest boulder, after being re-drilled, resumed its role as a spring stone. One of the original five boulders was placed on a separate pedestal to the east. The Findlingsbrunnen, as it stands today, tells a story of artistic vision, resourcefulness, and resilience. It reflects the area’s transformation through changing times.