On the southern mole of Bremen’s Überseestadt, stands a landmark affectionately dubbed the “Mouse Tower”. This endearing nickname, the Molenturm, wasn’t always a beacon for tourists. Built in 1906, the Molenturm primarily guided ships into the bustling Überseehafen. The original tower met an unfortunate end in 1925. An English steamer, perhaps lost in fog or steered astray, collided with the Molenturm. The impact dislodged the structure, leaving it precariously tilted. Though salvaged and re-erected, the damage necessitated a rebuild using some of the original stones. This new Molenturm, completed in 1926, continued its duty as a beacon and housed the harbor master’s office. The harbor workers, known as “Molenfürsten” or “pier princes”, held court within the tower’s circular room. They used megaphones to direct ships from the balcony, their commands echoing across the water. Fog presented a unique challenge. Initially, workers rang a mechanical fog bell every fifteen minutes. This laborious task was alleviated in 1952 by an electric air sound transmitter, activated with a simple button press. The Molenturm’s former clockwork, a relic of a bygone era, is now on display at the Hafenmuseum Speicher XI. Today, the Molenturm, no longer home to shouting harbor masters, stands as a protected landmark. Its surrounding area has been revitalized as part of the Waller Sand park. A path shaded by elm trees connects the tower to the Überseepromenade, and a climbing sculpture made from old harbor materials adds a playful touch. The Molenturm, once a symbol of industrial might, now welcomes visitors with open arms, its green light still guiding ships for nine nautical miles.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to