Sitz- und Flitzhasen Sculpture

Have you ever seen rabbits relaxing? You can at the Sitz- und Flitzhasen Sculpture. These aren’t your typical garden bunnies. The Sitz- und Flitzhasen, created by the artist Rosalie in 2002, are a vibrant collection of pink and yellow fiberglass rabbit pairs. They reside in Scharnhauser Park, a prominent landmark in Ostfildern, near Stuttgart. The Sitz- und Flitzhasen, which translates to “Sitting and Speeding Rabbits,” capture a playful energy. Some rabbits appear relaxed, while others seem ready to dash off. This whimsical installation adds a touch of color and fun to the park’s landscape. Over the years, the Sitz- und Flitzhasen have become beloved by the community. They’ve endured weather and wear, showing signs of aging. Their once-bright colors faded, and some even suffered graffiti. The citizens of Ostfildern rallied to save their beloved rabbits. They launched a fundraising campaign to restore the sculptures. The city pledged to match every euro donated, up to 40,000 euros, demonstrating the importance of the Sitz- und Flitzhasen to the community. Local businesses joined the effort too. One bakery even donated a portion of the sales from their “carrot bread,” specially decorated with images of the rabbits. The campaign gained momentum, with individuals and groups sponsoring rabbit pairs. Stories emerged of people connecting with the sculptures in personal ways. One older couple, who had enjoyed the rabbits for years, had their children sponsor a pair in their memory. Another group of friends decided to sponsor a rabbit instead of exchanging Christmas gifts. The outpouring of support speaks to the special place the Sitz- und Flitzhasen hold in the hearts of the Ostfildern community. The restoration, planned at a specialized workshop in Berlin, promises to bring the rabbits back to their former glory. The Sitz- und Flitzhasen will continue to bring joy to visitors for years to come.