Dare to imagine a painter’s vision brought to life in steel. Here we stand before the Feininger Turm. This unique structure interprets the artistic style of Lyonel Feininger. It’s not just a tower. It’s a three-dimensional expression of his Bauhaus-era works.
The Feininger Turm is located in Mellingen. Mellingen lies southeast of Weimar. The tower was erected in 1999. Marcel Kalberer, a Swiss architect, designed the art installation. He named it “Doppeltes Motiv” meaning double motive.
Kalberer sought to capture Feininger’s painting style. The tower reflects the essence of his art. Feininger’s watercolor “Mellingen” inspired the tower. This painting depicts the village church tower. You can view the original painting in the mayor’s office. Some say Feininger’s 1920 painting “Die Kirche von Mellingen” was the inspiration. This painting is supposedly held by the Von der Heydt-Museum in Wuppertal. Information about it seems contradictory.
Notice the tower’s construction. It features pipes and rods in Bauhaus colors. These elements translate Feininger’s two-dimensional art into a three-dimensional form. The Feininger Turm sits along the Feininger-Radweg. This bike path spans about 30 kilometers from Weimar. It connects key locations related to Feininger’s life and work.
To reach the Feininger Turm from Weimar, follow the Ilm-Radweg. It is also known as Feininger-Route. This route leads through the Ilmpark, Oberweimar, Taubach and Ehringsdorf to Mellingen. Signage marks the turnoff to the tower. The location is somewhat unconventional. You must pass through the Aralallee industrial area. Find the Hopfenbergstrasse loop near the B87 and the Apolda exit. You will see the Feininger Turm. A building materials depot is nearby. A Burger King stands opposite the tower.
An information panel stands near the tower. A covered bench offers seating for cyclists and hikers. Be aware that the B87’s traffic noise can be intrusive. The Feininger Turm provides insight into Feininger’s artistic interpretation of architectural themes. It embodies the monumentality he saw in simple structures. He saw it in church and town structures. Take a moment to appreciate how this artwork encapsulates Feininger’s creative vision. Consider also the impact of Bauhaus on art and architecture.