Have you ever seen peacocks dance? At the Pfauenbrunnen, you can witness this spectacle in bronze. The Pfauenbrunnen, or Peacock Fountain, is a charming display of artistry and local talent. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of Berlin, showcasing three larger-than-life bronze peacocks. These aren’t just any peacocks. They’re meticulously crafted, capturing the elegant form and intricate details of these magnificent birds.
The Pfauenbrunnen isn’t ancient or tied to grand historical events. It’s a more recent addition to Berlin’s urban landscape, designed by the sculptor Margit Schötzel-Gabriel between 1975 and 1979. It’s a product of the Berlin school of sculpture, a tradition known for its focus on animal forms. The peacocks perch atop a natural stone column, creating a tiered effect. The central peacock spreads its tail feathers in a dramatic display, almost as if frozen mid-dance. The other two peacocks flank it, their poses equally captivating. The whole scene rests in a shallow basin, adding to the fountain’s tranquil atmosphere.
Schötzel-Gabriel’s peacocks aren’t stiff or overly formal. They feel lively, each feather and curve suggesting movement. The details are smoothed and stylized, creating a sense of ornamental elegance. Look closely at the fountain’s base. You’ll see round metal rosettes surrounding the water outlets. These small details contribute to the overall aesthetic, adding a touch of delicate beauty to the robust bronze figures. The Pfauenbrunnen is more than just a decorative element. It’s a testament to the city’s artistic heritage. It’s a gentle reminder of nature’s beauty amid the urban bustle.
The Pfauenbrunnen was actually the result of a competition. In 1975, the Association of Visual Artists held a competition themed “Animals on the Spree.” Schötzel-Gabriel’s design for a peacock fountain won. Originally, it was intended for the Holzmarktstraße and Alexanderstraße area. Interestingly, there’s another peacock sculpture in Berlin you might want to see. Rudolf Hilscher created a “cartwheeling peacock” for the Karl-Foerster-Garten in the Friedrichsfelde Zoo. This sculpture echoes the dynamic pose of the central peacock at the Pfauenbrunnen.
The Pfauenbrunnen invites you to pause and appreciate the simple elegance of nature, translated through the skilled hands of an artist. It’s a quiet oasis in the city. It’s a place where the dance of bronze peacocks brings a sense of wonder and tranquility to all who visit.