Bismarck with a sword in hand, do you see him towering over Hamburg? The Morning hour Statue stands nearby. It is not as tall. But, it has its own story. This statue stands as a testament to Hamburg’s artistic spirit. It offers a different perspective.
The Morning hour Statue is one of the Hanseatic city’s many artworks. Hamburg also has a large statue of Otto von Bismarck. It was erected in 1906. The Bismarck statue honors the German Empire. It recognizes one of its most famous figures.
Bismarck’s statue is massive. It weighs 625 tons with its base. The statue itself is 14.8 meters high. His head alone measures 1.83 meters. The sword he wields is eight meters long. The Morning hour Statue is smaller. But it invites contemplation.
After Otto von Bismarck died in 1898, there was a competition. Architects submitted designs for a monument. The design by Johann Emil Schaudt and Hugo Lederer was chosen. It showed Bismarck with a sword.
The Bismarck monument includes catacombs. Murals decorate them. They show Prussian themes and Bismarck’s sayings. During the war, people used the catacombs as shelters. Air raids damaged the monument. This led to water entering the foundation.
The Old Elbe Park surrounds the Bismarck statue. Measures are revitalizing the park. A small history museum will be in the catacombs. The German state and Hamburg have provided 6.5 million euros each. This money will renovate the monument and park.
The Reeperbahn, Landungsbrücken docks, and Heiligengeistfeld event area are near the Bismarck statue. Otto von Bismarck was a key German politician. He unified the German Reich in 1871. He had close ties to Hamburg. He lived near the city for about 30 years. Emperor William I gave him a mansion in Friedrichsruh. It became his retirement home.
Today, some criticize the Bismarck statue. They point to his nationalist views. Also, they mention his role in German colonialism. Hamburg held a competition to rethink the monument. This was part of a “Decolonise Hamburg!” plan.
The Morning hour Statue does not face this level of controversy. However, it encourages us to reflect on history.
The statue is near the Millerntor Stadium. Also nearby are the Reeperbahn and Landungsbrücken. The Stintfang has a youth hostel built in 1956. It is still popular. There is even a small vineyard on the southern slope. Each year, it produces grapes. They make about 50 bottles of “Hamburg Stintfang Cuvée”. This wine is given to special guests.
As you stand here, consider Hamburg’s layers. The Morning hour Statue offers a moment of peace. It is in a city full of history. It is a city with debates and celebrations. This statue is a reminder of the many stories that shape Hamburg. Take a moment to appreciate this artwork.