Have you noticed these vibrant yellow sculptures? These are the Kanarienvogel. They stand as a reminder of Essen’s industrial past. These oversized birds guide you from Zollverein Nord station to the Zeche Zollverein. But why canary birds?
In the days of coal mining, canaries served as an early warning system. Miners took them underground. Canaries are sensitive to dangerous gases like methane. If the bird stopped singing or fell off its perch, miners knew to evacuate.
Axel Hummert, an architect, designed these Kanarienvogel. His design won the “Designallee Zollverein” competition in 2009. The city of Essen and the Zollverein Foundation organized the competition. Their goal was to improve the route to the Zollverein World Heritage site. Since 2010, the bright yellow birds help visitors find their way. Each Kanarienvogel is about two meters tall. They are 3.60 meters long. Each weighs around 100 kilograms.
Sadly, the Kanarienvogel have faced vandalism. They also suffered damage from falling branches. The storm “Ela” in June 2014 caused some damage. The Technische Lernverein Essen fixes them. This group teaches technical skills to young people and adults. Werner Rittmann manages the company Rittmann. He also leads the TLVE e.V. Rittmann covers the material costs for repairs.
In January 2019 one Kanarienvogel suffered from vandalism. On August 21, 2019, at 9 AM, it was returned to its original spot in the Bullmannaue. The city is glad the sculptures are complete again. It thanks the TLVE e.V., its members, and the company Rittmann for their help.
These Kanarienvogel are more than just art. They symbolize Essen’s history. They remind us of the brave miners and their feathered companions. They also show how Essen transforms its industrial heritage into something new. Take a moment to appreciate these bright yellow birds. Think about the stories they represent. They connect Essen’s past with its present.