Did Alexander von Humboldt ever imagine his likeness would grace a stele in Berlin’s Tiergarten? Here we stand before the Alexander von Humboldt Stele, a tribute to a man who bridged science and exploration. The Alexander von Humboldt Stele, unveiled on August 31, 1999, isn’t just a monument. It’s a larger-than-life bronze representation of Humboldt, his hand resting thoughtfully on a globe, poised above South America. This placement isn’t random. It reflects his groundbreaking expeditions in South America, where he meticulously documented the interconnectedness of nature. The stele is positioned in front of the German Institute for Standardization, housed in the Alexander-von-Humboldt-Haus on Budapester Straße. This juxtaposition of scientific rigor and Humboldt’s free-ranging exploration feels strangely appropriate. Interestingly, this imposing 2.7-meter statue is more than just a standalone piece. It’s a replica of another Humboldt statue in Cologne, echoing his impact across Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Stele owes its existence to two artists. Gustav Blässer created the original large-format half-relief in 1878. Years later, André Jeschar used Blässer’s work as the blueprint for this three-dimensional tribute. As we admire the Alexander von Humboldt Stele, we’re reminded of Humboldt’s insatiable curiosity and his dedication to understanding the world. He saw the planet as a unified organism, a concept that resonates even more strongly today.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in