Originally frolicking around a fountain, the story of the Drei Mädchen und ein Knabe, or Three Girls and a Boy, is a tale of art, politics, and relocation right here in Berlin. These sculptures now sit along the Spree promenade. They face the Berlin Cathedral.
These life-size bronze figures were created by German sculptor Wilfried Fitzenreiter in 1988. The Drei Mädchen und ein Knabe consists of three young women and one young man. All are around the age of twenty. They are nude figures sitting casually on a wall. Three gaze towards the River Spree. One girl looks inland.
The male figure sits to the left when facing the Berlin Cathedral. He has one leg drawn up. He rests his foot on the wall. His hands clasp his foot. The muscles of his thighs are prominent. His back is slightly curved. You can see the vertebrae of his neck and upper back. He turns his head to the right. His hair is short and neatly styled.
To his right sit the three female figures of the Drei Mädchen und ein Knabe. They share a similar athletic build. The first girl faces us. She looks down. Her expression seems introspective. Her hair is braided into a long plait. Her hands rest on her thighs. Her legs hang relaxed. One foot is crossed over the other.
Many visitors like to touch her nose, knees, and toes. These parts of the statue are brighter than the rest. The second girl sits upright. Her back is straight. Her abdominal muscles are clearly defined. Her hair is pulled back into a tight bun. She raises both hands in front of her. She looks thoughtful as if searching for words.
The third female figure leans back. She is relaxed. One leg is bent. It is crossed over the knee of the other. Her hands clasp her knee. This pose balances her reclining position. It makes her shoulders appear angular. Her waist is narrow. Her hips seem wide in proportion. Her hair is wavy and shoulder-length. Her gaze seems slightly bored. She looks towards the opposite bank and the Cathedral.
Originally, the Drei Mädchen und ein Knabe sat back-to-back. They formed a closed circle. The figures were part of a fountain at the Palasthotel. The Palasthotel was located behind the Berlin Cathedral. It was on Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 5.
Interestingly, the Palasthotel was in East Germany. However, it was closed to East German guests. It showcased Western products. These items were not readily available to the East German public. The East German government used the hotel to host important foreign guests. The hotel only accepted Western currency.
The Palasthotel was part of the Interhotel chain. It also played a role in Stasi surveillance. The Stasi monitored foreigners visiting East Germany. The hotel was nicknamed “Stasi-Nest.” Officers used hidden cameras and microphones. They were placed in corridors, elevators, and selected rooms.
In 2001, after German reunification, the Palasthotel was demolished. This was due to asbestos contamination. The Drei Mädchen und ein Knabe were temporarily stored. The hotel was rebuilt in 2003. It became part of the Radisson group. The fountain and sculptures did not return. In 2007, the group found its new home along the Spree. During demolition, a 550-pound American WWII bomb was found. It had been buried for 55 years and was defused on site.
So, here they sit the Drei Mädchen und ein Knabe. They are silent witnesses to Berlin’s ever-changing landscape. They invite reflection on art history and the city’s complex past.