Hindemithplatz

Why is there a bike on top of that roof? Here at Hindemithplatz, that’s a question you might find yourself asking. It’s not a permanent fixture, of course. More likely some Berliner’s quirky sense of humor. Hindemithplatz itself, nestled in Charlottenburg, is a small, paved square, officially named in 1995 after the German composer Paul Hindemith. The square sits at the intersection of Mommsenstrasse, Giesebrechtstrasse, and Wilmersdorfer Strasse. It’s a tranquil spot, surrounded by the elegant Gründerzeit architecture that characterizes this upscale neighborhood. Hindemith, though he didn’t live in the area, might have appreciated the refined atmosphere of the galleries and boutiques surrounding Hindemithplatz. His music, considered “degenerate” by the Nazis, found a home elsewhere, but the square now bears his name. The centerpiece of Hindemithplatz is the St. Georg-Brunnen, a fountain originally designed by Wilhelm Walther for the “Bayernhof”, an entertainment establishment at Potsdamer Platz in the early 1900s. The fountain was disassembled when the war-damaged Bayernhof was demolished in 1975 and later reconstructed here in 1980. Look closely at the fountain. It’s a beautiful structure of shell limestone and red granite columns supporting a small roof. Originally, a bronze statue of St. George slaying a dragon stood atop the roof. But the statue, a victim of post-war theft, is long gone. Its absence is noticeable, a silent testament to a lost piece of Berlin’s artistic heritage. The square has a quiet charm. People relax on the fountain’s steps, surrounded by plane trees, enjoying the calm before the city fully awakens. Hindemithplatz offers a pleasant pause amidst the bustling energy of Berlin, inviting you to reflect on the layers of history present in this dynamic city.