“A bear in Düsseldorf? Wouldn’t it be more at home in, say, Berlin?” a child might ask. And right here, at the Berliner Bär statue, that question makes perfect sense. The Berliner Bär statue isn’t just any bear; it’s a direct link to Berlin, a symbol of connection and solidarity. The statue stands proudly on the Ernst-Reuter-Platz, along Berliner Allee. It’s a young bronze bear, reaching its paws skyward atop a tall, slender granite pedestal. The Berliner Bär arrived here in 1960, a gift unveiled by none other than Willy Brandt, then the Governing Mayor of Berlin.
The Berliner Bär statue is more than just a piece of art. It’s a historical marker, a reminder of the close ties between Düsseldorf and Berlin, especially during the Cold War. The statue’s sculptor, Renée Sintenis, was a renowned German artist, famous for her animal sculptures and figures. She also created the smaller, golden bear statuettes awarded at the Berlin International Film Festival, the Berlinale. So, every time you see a filmmaker clutching their golden bear, remember this larger-than-life version in Düsseldorf!
This bear has seen its share of drama. In 2014, a truck accidentally struck the statue, knocking it off its pedestal. Thankfully, it was restored and returned to its rightful place, a testament to its resilience, much like the city of Berlin itself. The statue weighs an impressive 180 kg and stands 1.6 meters tall, a significant presence on the square. Its granite base adds another 2.5 meters to its overall height.
Notice the inscription on the pedestal. It simply reads “Berlin,” a clear declaration of the statue’s origins and significance. Interestingly, there’s a life-sized version of this same bear sculpture in Berlin, located on the A115 Autobahn between Dreilinden and the Zehlendorf interchange. It serves as a counterpart to our Düsseldorf bear, further strengthening the symbolic bond between the two cities. So, as you stand before the Berliner Bär, take a moment to appreciate its artistry, its history, and the story it tells of connection and resilience. It’s a small piece of Berlin, right here in Düsseldorf.