Ever stopped to wonder about this peculiar sculpture right here? This is the Brockhaus-Brunnen. It is also known as the Frankfurter-Figuren-Brunnen. The Brockhaus-Brunnen has been standing here on the Zeil since 1984. It sits proudly between Stiftstraße and Hasengasse.
The Brockhaus-Brunnen is named after its creator. Lutz Brockhaus was the artist behind this striking piece. But don’t confuse him with the famous encyclopedia! He began his work in 1980 right here. Passersby could watch the sculpture come to life.
Imagine the noise. Brockhaus chiseled away at the 38-ton white marble block. The marble came all the way from Carrara, Italy. Some people found the noise too loud. Today people are happy to find a seat here in summer.
Lutz Brockhaus worked with Manuela Meyer and Christoph Kappeser. They spent months shaping the stone. The Brockhaus-Brunnen features several figures. Look closely and you will see them. There is a jumbo jet bursting from clouds. There is a computer man. And there is a woman from the oldest profession.
When the Brockhaus-Brunnen was first installed, it caused quite a stir. Many thought it looked unfinished. But Frankfurt has grown accustomed to it. Now, the Brockhaus-Brunnen is a landmark on the Zeil.
Each figure represents an aspect of Frankfurt. The airplane symbolizes Frankfurt as a global city. The futuristic figure reflects the city’s cool economic side. The unclothed woman represents the human, warm, and social side.
So, next time you are on the Zeil, take a moment. Admire the Brockhaus-Brunnen. Think about the artist who created it. Consider what the figures represent. The Brockhaus-Brunnen is more than just a fountain. It is a symbol of Frankfurt itself.