Let’s pause for a moment and look at this stunning sculpture. It stands proudly on the Old Southern Cemetery. This is the Büste Arnold Zenetti.
The sculpture is a tribute to Arnold Zenetti, an influential architect and urban planner who shaped the city of Munich in the 19th century. He was a visionary leader, responsible for the city’s sewage system, its iconic Maximiliansbrücke, and a number of public buildings, including the slaughterhouse and livestock market.
Zenetti held the position of Head of the City Building Authority and was even knighted for his contributions. The inscription on this Büste reads “Arnold Zenetti, Oberbaurat”.
While the inscription on the tomb is incomplete, there is a small detail that many people overlook. The Büste is actually a metal cast, crafted by the renowned sculptor Ludwig Gamp. It sits atop a multi-layered pedestal that was designed by the talented architect Carl Hocheder.
Zenetti, a man of multiple talents, was also the founder of the Voluntary Fire Department of Munich! He served as its commander for years, dedicating himself to the city’s safety. His dedication to the well-being of Munich earned him the city’s Golden Citizen Medal.
The Büste Arnold Zenetti is more than just a piece of stone. It’s a visual reminder of a man who dared to dream and shape the future of Munich, leaving behind an impressive legacy of planning and construction.