Hans Albers Statue

Right here, in the heart of Dusseldorf’s Medienhafen, stands a statue that has a unique and captivating story to tell. This is the Hans Albers Statue, a testament to the artistic vision of Jorg Immendorff, and a symbol of a complex relationship between art, politics, and the celebrated German entertainer, Hans Albers. The story begins in Hamburg, Hans Albers’s hometown, where a bronze statue of him was erected on a square named in his honour. This statue was the creation of Jorg Immendorff who, in 1984, opened a bar called “La Paloma” in Hamburg. In German, the name has the same pronunciation as the title of a famous song by Hans Albers, further cementing the link between the artist and the entertainer. The statue, however, became embroiled in controversy due to disagreements between Immendorff and the Hamburg Senate.
The statue, 2.90 m tall and a bronze cast, depicts Hans Albers as a sailor, a reference to the many nautical themes that permeated his career. It was designed in a simplified, abstract style, a hallmark of Immendorff’s artistic expression. The statue features the singer looking into the distance, shielded by his elevated right hand, and holding a ship’s piano in his left. This detail is a symbolic nod to Albers’s talent and career in music and entertainment. In addition, a wineglass, suspended from a twisted iron rod, floats above the statue, adding to the artistic complexity of the piece. The statue is mounted on a tall concrete pedestal; the base of the statue itself is a bronze bird with outstretched wings. The original statue was removed from its pedestal in Hamburg and brought to Dusseldorf, where it was installed on the Ueckerplatz, Kaistraße 16. The Hamburg Senate commissioned a copy of the statue, which now stands in the original location. The original statue, now in Dusseldorf, overlooks the Rhine, a silent observer of the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
The relocation of the statue demonstrates a fascinating interplay between local politics, artistic vision, and the legacy of Hans Albers, a figure who continues to hold a prominent place in German popular culture. The Hans Albers Statue is a testament to the enduring power of art to trigger debate and provoke reflection. The statue is not just a monument but a symbol of creative freedom, artistic vision, and artistic legacy, making it a notable point of interest in the Dusseldorf Medienhafen.