Here at the Heinrich Heine Denkmal stands a tribute to a poet whose words still resonate today. This isn’t just a statue. It’s a symbol of resilience and the enduring power of literature.
The Heinrich Heine Denkmal you see before you has a story beyond its bronze surface. The original bust was stolen in January 2014. Imagine the shock when the city discovered the empty pedestal.
But Brandenburg an der Havel wouldn’t let Heine disappear. The community rallied together. They showed great willingness to donate. Within two years, a replica was created.
The Rotary Club Brandenburg Havel played a key role. They donated 2500 euros. This was the largest single donation. Their contribution helped bring Heine back to the Heine-Ufer.
The new bust was unveiled on December 13, 2017. This date marked Heine’s 220th birthday. Despite the storm and rain, the celebration went on. After almost four years, a void in the city was filled.
The city found the original mold from 1954. Karl Mertens, a famous sculptor from Rathenow, created it. The family allowed the city to use it again. Because the original mold was used, the Denkmal maintained its official status.
Look closely at the base of the Heinrich Heine Denkmal. You’ll see verses inscribed there. These lines come from the first draft of Heine’s “Wintermärchen.” Heine never published this version. He changed the text later.
The words on the Denkmal are open to interpretation. Consider the time when the bust was erected in 1960 in the former DDR. The verse reads: “Since you left us, much has changed here. A young generation has grown up that feels and acts differently.”
This Heinrich Heine Denkmal embodies community spirit. It shows what can happen when people value art and culture. It reminds us of Heine’s legacy. His words continue to inspire generations.