Do you know why this park is called Humboldthain? It is named after Alexander von Humboldt. A bust of the famous researcher once stood here. Today, we stand before a new bust of Alexander von Humboldt. The original disappeared. It likely vanished in the final days of World War II.
Let’s step back in time. The area was once the Johannispromenade. It was part of a ring around the Old Town. This ring replaced the medieval city defenses. In 1866, the area transformed into a park. In 1869, the city honored Alexander von Humboldt. They created an arboretum. This followed Humboldt’s idea of public education. It featured foreign plants.
The Humboldt Monument was placed in the promenade’s large circle. Gustav Dullo described it in 1886. He was a city official. The bust was made by Janda in Berlin. It was based on Rauch’s original model. Geiβ in Berlin created it. It was made of galvanically copper-plated zinc casting. A sandstone base supported it. The base was 2.51 meters high. Pfaffenberg in Berlin made it.
Imagine the Humboldthain in its prime. It had many foreign plants. Small signs identified them. Summer flowers, climbing plants, and potted plants added beauty. There were even palm trees, calla lilies, and azaleas. In 1896, a pond was added. It had a tuff stone grotto and a fountain. Richard Spitta, a local, donated a marble sculpture in 1912. It was a copy of Gustav Metz’s “Fischerknabe.”
City officials always tried to improve the Humboldthain. They wanted to increase its beauty. They also wanted to ensure light and air for the trees. Sadly, World War II caused much damage. Key features were lost. These included the Rotdornrondell, the pond with its fountain, and the flower rondel.
The park saw more changes in the 1950s. Some were reconstructions. Others were redesigns. The pond with a bridge and a “Spuckfrosch” dates from this time. The Humboldthain never fully regained its original quality after the war.
The Humboldthain is an important park. It connects the Old Town and New Town. It also links Rosenhag and Marienberg. The park was renovated for the BUGA in 2015. During the analysis, a question arose. What happened to the original Humboldt Monument? The “Fischerknabe” was moved in 1972. It was due to repeated damage. But there were no clues about the Humboldt Monument. Perhaps it was destroyed in the war.
In 2015, as the park was redesigned for the Bundesgartenschau, the Brandenburg Lions-Club donated a new bust. So, the Alexander von Humboldt Statue before you represents a revival. It symbolizes the city’s dedication to honoring its history. It also reflects its commitment to cultural enrichment. Take a moment to appreciate this tribute to a great scientist. Think about the park’s past. Consider its future.