Amidst the lively Lister Meile in Hanover, the Körterbrunnen stands as a quirky landmark. Locals affectionately call it the “Pferdekopfbrunnen,” or Horse Head Fountain. Its five gleaming stainless steel figures do resemble horse heads, or perhaps rooster heads, perched on brick pedestals. Children, however, are more likely to see giant water faucets, playfully twisting the hand-wide water jets. The Körterbrunnen was officially inaugurated in 1976. Its creator, Hanover architect Gerhard Bünemann, clearly had a vision. In the early 1970s, after the construction of the subway and the Lister Meile pedestrian zone, the city held a competition for a fountain design. Bünemann’s unusual concept won. The Körterbrunnen quickly became a focal point. The shimmering figures draw people to the bustling square. Passersby and locals gather for coffee or ice cream, enjoying the lively atmosphere. The Körterbrunnen is central to the summer Lister Meile Fest, a three-day party with live music that fills the shopping boulevard. The Lister Meile itself has a fascinating history. It’s part of an old country road, the Alte Celler Poststraße. This route connected Hanover with Celle in 1775. In 1845, the section between Lister Platz and Wedekindstraße was renamed Celler Straße. The connection to the train station was known as Alte Celler Heerstraße. Air raids in 1943 heavily damaged these streets. They were rebuilt after the war and redesigned in the early 1970s. This redesign coincided with the construction of subway line A. The result was the 1,300-meter-long Lister Meile, linking the Oststadt to Hanover’s city center. The section between Hamburger Allee and Wedekindstraße was inaugurated with a street festival in 1972. The name “Lister Meile” was chosen through a newspaper competition, solidifying its identity as a car-free promenade. The Körterbrunnen, with its playful design and central location, adds a unique charm to this historic and vibrant area of Hanover.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to