Ever wondered why this fountain is called Märchenbrunnen? This enchanting fountain stands in Mülheim’s Stadtgarten. It is more than just a water feature. It is a portal to a world of fairy tales.
Let’s dive into the story of the Märchenbrunnen. The Märchenbrunnen is a creation of Cologne sculptor Wilhelm Albermann. Albermann created it in 1914. The name Märchenbrunnen translates to Fairy Tale Fountain. But why this name?
Some locals call it Tierbrunnen meaning Animal Fountain. Look closely and you will spot many animals. Perhaps the animal figures give it the name Märchenbrunnen. The fountain’s true meaning is still a bit of a mystery.
At the heart of the Märchenbrunnen, you will see a group of boys cast in bronze. They play atop a pedestal. They stand elevated above the large octagonal pool below. One boy holds a shell. Another reaches for it while holding a duck. A third boy tries to mount a fish while holding onto reeds.
Notice the water flowing from the mouths of animals. These smaller creatures act as spouts. In the lower basin, four animals rest on pedestals. There is a seal a tortoise a lizard and an otter. Each one spouts water toward the pool’s center.
The Märchenbrunnen is made of sandstone and bronze. Albermann also created other famous Cologne monuments. These include statues of Richartz and Wallraf. He also created the Jan-von-Werth-Brunnen. You can find his final resting place on Melaten cemetery.
The KG Mülheimer Narrenzunft has a plaque here. It reads Patenschaftsbrunnen der KG Mülheimer Narrenzunft. This means sponsored fountain. The fountain has been a protected landmark since July 1980. Many people contribute to keeping it beautiful.
Imagine the Mülheimer Stadtgarten in 1914. The Märchenbrunnen was brand new. Children would gather around it. They would laugh at the playful figures. They would marvel at the animals spouting water.
But the Märchenbrunnen has faced challenges. In March 2023, the city began extensive renovations. These included new water pipes and stone restoration.
In October 2023, thieves broke into a container storing bronze figures. They stole four life-size figures. These figures were temporarily removed for the renovations. The city filed a police report. The investigation is ongoing.
Despite these setbacks, the Märchenbrunnen remains a beloved landmark. It provides seating areas. It is a true oasis.
Take a moment to appreciate this beautiful fountain. Look at the details. Notice the craftsmanship. Imagine the stories it could tell. The Märchenbrunnen invites you to step into a world of imagination. It is a place where fairy tales come to life.