A broken chain. Does that describe Berlin’s past? We are standing before the Entwicklung Berlin Sculpture. This sculpture stands on Tauentzienstraße in Berlin. It is more than just art. It is a symbol of a divided city and its eventual reunification.
The Entwicklung Berlin Sculpture was created by Brigitte Matschinsky-Denninghoff and Martin Matschinsky. They are a husband-and-wife team. The sculpture was first conceived in 1985. It was unveiled in 1987. Its principal motif is a broken chain. This was meant to symbolize the severed connections between West and East Berlin. The Berlin Wall caused this division.
After the Wall fell, the city bought the sculpture. It serves as a reminder of this period in German history. The Entwicklung Berlin Sculpture was part of an event. This event was called “Skulpturenboulevard Kurfürstendamm”. It was commissioned by West Berlin. The city celebrated its 750th anniversary in 1987. Eight sculptures were unveiled for the event. Only three remained after the anniversary year. The Entwicklung Berlin Sculpture was one of them. The city and Deutsche Bank acquired it after the original lease expired.
The artists had freedom. They chose where to place their work. The Matschinsky-Denninghoffs selected Tauentzienstraße. It is in front of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche. This church was heavily damaged during World War II. The site adds to the sculpture’s meaning.
The Entwicklung Berlin Sculpture features four steel tubes. Each tube extends upwards. They are about two meters in diameter. The tubes are reinforced with concrete bases. One end of each tube tilts. Then it changes direction completely. The tubes loop but do not touch. This symbolizes closeness and isolation. It represents the two sides of Berlin. The tubes are covered in chrome nickel steel. This surface changes. It darkens or shines depending on the time of day.
Brigitte Matschinsky-Denninghoff explained the sculpture’s meaning. She said it is accessible from all sides. Viewers can perceive it from any angle. She emphasized the West-East and East-West direction. The Entwicklung Berlin Sculpture is designed as a large gate. It forms a double arch. This arch is not just practical. It is an invigorating emphasis. They tried to communicate Berlin’s situation in a symbolic way.
Berlin itself has a long history. It started as two small settlements in the 13th century. These were Berlin and Cölln. They were located along the River Spree. The area became a center for commerce. It attracted merchants and artisans. By 1307, the two towns united. This marked Berlin’s growth as a significant urban center.
The sculpture reminds us of Berlin’s division. It also shows the city’s resilience. The Entwicklung Berlin Sculpture stands as a testament to overcoming division. It represents the hope for a united future. Take a moment. Reflect on the history and symbolism embodied in this artwork. It captures a crucial chapter in Berlin’s story.