Lehrstuhl – leerer Stuhl Sculpture

What colossal throne awaits us here? This, my friends, is the Lehrstuhl – leerer Stuhl, a giant sculpture dominating the plaza of Weimar’s University Library. The Lehrstuhl – leerer Stuhl arrived here in 2005, the same year the library opened its doors. It’s a creation of the late wood sculptor Hermann Bigelmayr, a remarkable artist who somehow managed to make over 20 tons of oak appear almost weightless. Look closer. The Lehrstuhl – leerer Stuhl isn’t just big, it’s clever. Bigelmayr crafted it from nine massive oak trunks, each roughly hewn yet perfectly balanced. The chair’s seat, perched 3.5 meters high, faces the library. The entire sculpture towers over 7.5 meters tall, a symbolic presence connecting to the university’s role as a place of learning. Notice how the chair legs form a diamond shape. This isn’t accidental. They align perfectly with the surrounding buildings. This clever positioning creates a sense of harmony. It amplifies the space, making the Lehrstuhl – leerer Stuhl a gateway, an entrance, rather than a hulking behemoth. You can even walk right through it, experiencing the sculpture from all angles. Bigelmayr’s artistry ensures the Lehrstuhl – leerer Stuhl complements the library’s modern architecture. It reflects the library’s clean lines and open design. The oak material of the chair even echoes the wood used in parts of the library’s exterior. The Lehrstuhl – leerer Stuhl stands as a testament to the power of art to enhance and transform a space. It’s not just a chair. It’s a statement, an invitation, a giant welcoming embrace.