Lost in thought, a child once graced the top of this monument. Now, let’s talk about the Lipsiusdenkmal. It stands as a tribute to the architect Constantin Lipsius.
Lipsius lived from 1832 to 1894. The monument bears an inscription. It reads “Professor of Architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts 1883-1894”. This acknowledges his role at the academy.
Lipsius’s most famous work is the Kunstakademie building. It includes the exhibition building of the Saxon Art Association. He designed it in the historicism style. He also contributed to the expansion of Dresden’s Residenzschloss. Additionally, he planned villas in Blasewitz. In 1884, Lipsius completed the base of the equestrian statue. It depicts August the Strong also known as the Golden Rider. He designed the Fabrice Mausoleum. It is named after Count Alfred von Fabrice. Fabrice was the Minister of War and founder of the Albertstadt. The mausoleum is on the grounds of the Kadettenanstalt. Today, it belongs to the German Federal Armed Forces.
The Lipsiusdenkmal now stands at Stübelallee and Lipsiusstrasse corner. It was expected to be fully restored by spring 2005. The Parks and Green Spaces Department took care of the sandstone pillar. They cleaned it. They straightened the upper part. They refilled the joints. They added a replica sandstone figure.
Originally, a seated child topped the monument. The child was resting its head thoughtfully on its hand. A photo from 1947 existed. It was not detailed enough for reconstruction. The city reached out to Dresden residents in May. They asked for photos and materials. Residents responded. The Parks and Green Spaces Department and the Cultural Office thanked everyone for their help. The Lipsiusdenkmal embodies Dresden’s architectural heritage. It honors a master builder. His creations still shape the city.