How about we unravel the story behind this striking sculpture known as Berlin? It stands here on Tauentzienstraße. The O – Bar Sculpture tells a silent story of a divided city and its eventual reunion.
The Berlin sculpture was conceived in 1985. It was unveiled in 1987 by Brigitte Matschinsky-Denninghoff and Martin Matschinsky. They were a husband-and-wife sculpting team. The sculpture’s broken chain symbolizes the severed connections between West and East Berlin. This divide was caused by the construction of the Berlin Wall.
After the Wall fell, the city bought the O – Bar Sculpture from Matschinsky-Denninghoff. It serves to commemorate this period in German history. The Berlin sculpture was part of “Skulpturenboulevard Kurfürstendamm”. This event celebrated Berlin’s 750th anniversary in 1987. Eight sculptures were designed for this event. Only three remained after the anniversary year. They were Berlin, Pyramide, and Cadillacs in Form der nackten Maja. The city and Deutsche Bank later acquired Berlin.
The sculptors had freedom to choose where to erect their work. The Matschinsky-Denninghoffs chose Tauentzienstraße. Specifically, they placed it in front of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche. This church was heavily damaged during World War II.
The O – Bar Sculpture consists of four steel tubes. Each tube extends upwards and is about two meters in diameter. The tubes are reinforced with a concrete base. One end on each side tilts for about half a meter. Then, it changes direction completely. The tubes loop but do not touch. This symbolizes the closeness and isolation between the two sides of Berlin.
The tubes’ surface is covered in chrome nickel steel. The steel can darken or shine. This depends on the time of day. Brigitte Matschinsky-Denninghoff described the sculpture’s intended impact. She said it is accessible from all sides. Viewers can perceive the West-East and East-West direction. She called the O – Bar Sculpture a big, organically grown gate. It forms a double arch. This arch is not just necessary and practical. It is an invigorating emphasis. The artists were trying to communicate something of Berlin’s situation in a symbolic way.
So, as you stand before the O – Bar Sculpture, remember its message. It speaks of division, resilience, and reunification. It reminds us of a city that overcame its barriers. It stands as a symbol of hope and connection. The O – Bar Sculpture is a powerful reminder of Berlin’s history.