Contemplate a green oasis amid urban life. This is the Parkfriedhof Neukölln. It offers a tranquil space for remembrance.
The Parkfriedhof Neukölln is Neukölln’s largest cemetery. Spanning over 200000 square meters it is among Berlin’s youngest cemeteries. The cemetery was established in 1949. Despite its young age, it holds much beauty. Its park-like design offers spaces to remember loved ones and explore art.
Unlike other cemeteries, Parkfriedhof Neukölln does not hold many famous Berliners. However it displays beautiful sculptural masterpieces. You can admire a decorative fountain adorned with bronze fish. Also there are five wonderfully designed wells with appealing sculptures. Four wells showcase animal sculptures. The fifth presents a water carrier designed by Katharina Szelinski-Singer.
These sculptures largely emerged between 1956 and 1957. Near the ceremonial hall stands a sandstone figure by Max Kruse. This four-meter-high sculpture is the area’s most monumental artwork.
The Parkfriedhof Neukölln’s story began in 1924. The city of Berlin acquired the agricultural lands of the Britz estate. The last owner Mr. Wrede sold it. In the late 1920s, there were plans for an airfield. It was for the German Aviation Research Institute. But the DVL chose Adlershof. The area became available.
During the 1930s, the area was allocated for Kleingarten colonies. The main cemetery of Neukölln was also planned. The cemetery opened in 1949. In 1985, the Federal Horticultural Show or BUGA expanded it by four hectares. This separated the urn grove from the main cemetery grounds.
The park-like layout features trees and open lawns. Graves are spread throughout. Open areas evoke a city park. This creates a local recreation area. Almost surrounded by the Britzer Garden and allotments the Parkfriedhof Neukölln is a peaceful green space.
Before the main entrance stands the steel sculpture Eternal Peace. The artist group Odious created it in 1983. The cemetery features a sculpturally significant ensemble of fountain wells.
The decorative fountain lies behind the main entrance. This waterscape was created in 1984. It includes a large basin and two smaller semicircular basins of natural stone. Water flows from a plate into the large basin. It then cascades into the lower basins. A bronze fish head spits water into the smallest basin.
The five wells are about 30 years older than the decorative fountain. They are spread across the area. They feature a female figure and four animal figures.
One well features an owl. The 3-meter-long structure consists of two opposing oval basins. An owl figure sits on top. Another well showcases a water carrier by Katharina Szelinski-Singer. A woman strides and carries a bucket. The sculpture tops two basins.
Another well depicts a heron. Its artist remains unknown. Another well features a fish. It differs from the others. It lacks an obvious figure. The last well presents a capercaillie. A figure of a capercaillie stands on a stele.
West of the ceremonial hall is a monumental figure by Max Kruse. The four-meter sandstone figure represents Persephone. She is the Greek goddess of the dead.
The Parkfriedhof Neukölln offers an experience beyond the ordinary. It blends nature art and remembrance into one. It invites reflection and appreciation.