Two bronze children stand before you. They are part of the Zwei Kinder Sculpture. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a poignant reminder of the Kindertransport. This moving memorial stands on Dag-Hammarskjold-Platz near Hamburg Dammtor station.
The Zwei Kinder Sculpture depicts a pivotal moment. Two children are shown departing. A young woman and other children remain behind. Their faces are turned away. This symbolizes the heartbreaking separation during the Kindertransport. Thousands of Jewish children were sent from Germany to the UK for safety. This happened between December 1938 and September 1939. Around 1000 of these children were from Hamburg.
The sculpture itself is incredibly detailed. You can see the Star of David on the young woman’s clothing. The children carry small tags around their necks. These details amplify the emotional weight of the piece. It was unveiled in May 2015 by Hamburg’s First Mayor Olaf Scholz.
The Zwei Kinder Sculpture wasn’t created overnight. It was financed entirely by private donations. The artists Frank Meisler and Arie Ovadia poured their hearts into its creation. Meisler’s personal history makes this work even more profound. He was a Kindertransport child himself. The sculpture is a testament to his experience and the experiences of so many others.
The Zwei Kinder Sculpture has a special place in Hamburg’s history. It temporarily moved to the nearby Planten un Blomen park. This was during the Dammtor station’s renovation. The sculpture proudly returned to Dag-Hammarskjold-Platz in May 2022. It now stands as a powerful and enduring symbol of remembrance. It stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who survived. It stands as a reminder of the horrors of the past. Take a moment to reflect on the stories embedded within this powerful artwork. The Zwei Kinder Sculpture is more than just bronze. It is a living legacy.