“Broken chains” they whispered. This is the Großer Wasserstein sculpture. It stands before you a testament to Berlin’s resilience.
The Großer Wasserstein isn’t about broken chains though. It’s a different story. It’s a story of water stone and community. This isn’t about the Berlin Wall. This is about a different kind of division a different kind of reunification.
This sculpture is part of a larger ensemble. Six objects crafted from the same grey veined marble. They harmonize. The Großer Wasserstein is central. Four flat blocks forming a four-step staircase. Water once flowed. It cascaded down the smooth polished surfaces. A film of liquid light. At the top a small abstract sculpture. A tiny spout. A gentle trickle.
The eastern side held a drinking fountain. Now it’s broken. Years of vandalism. It was a simple design. Simple forms. Water flowing into a half-round basin. A place for weary travelers to refresh themselves. A place for children to laugh and splash.
The Großer Wasserstein was created in 1983-1986. It was part of a larger project. A sculptor’s symposium on Kranoldplatz. Seven artists were chosen. They worked together. They used Bardiglio marble. Their individual styles blended. They created a unified whole. A community of art.
The Großer Wasserstein is more than just stone and water. It’s a symbol of collaboration. A reminder that even in urban landscapes beauty and peace can still find their place. Even broken fountains speak volumes. They speak of shared creation. They speak of the passing of time. They whisper of resilience. This is the Großer Wasserstein. Feel its weight. Feel its story.