Was this powerful Bayer Löwe sculpted from a single piece of stone? Many ask this as they stand before the imposing Bayer Löwe in Leverkusen. Created by the renowned expressionist sculptor Bernhard Hoetger, this magnificent piece was no simple commission. The year was 1924. Germany was struggling to rise from the ashes of World War I. Carl Duisberg, Bayer’s General Director, wanted a symbol of hope, a testament to the nation’s resilience.
He envisioned a lion, the company’s emblem, but not just any lion. He wanted a powerful mother, protecting her own, reflecting Germany’s strength. The result? This magnificent Bayer Löwe, initially placed at a prominent intersection as a beacon of optimism. What you see now, however, is not the original location. The Bayer Löwe underwent a relocation due to traffic planning changes. Despite this, the Bayer Löwe still exudes an aura of strength and watchful guardianship. It serves as a reminder of Germany’s turbulent past, its indomitable spirit, and Bayer’s contribution to the nation’s recovery.