Musizierende Kinder Statue

“Music fills the air!” You might think, but wait. The Musizierende Kinder statue does not play a melody, but tells a story about music, hope, and loss. Although you see these bronze children with their instruments, their story is far from joyful. Stand here, before this monument in front of Vienna’s Westbahnhof, and let the music of the past resonate within you. Their story is a testament to the courage of children who had to leave their homes and everything they knew behind. Over 10,000 Jewish children were sent to England on Kindertransports, a rescue mission aimed at saving them from the Nazi regime. The inscription on the base of the statue reads: “For the Child – Vienna.” Flor Kent, the sculptor, has created this monument to remind us of the resilience of these youngsters. For them, music may have provided a way to cope with their grief and longing for home. The statue shows a boy with a trumpet, a girl playing the violin, and a boy with a cello. It is a timeless piece of art, a poignant reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure unimaginable hardship. The journey to Vienna’s Westbahnhof marked the last step of these desperate travelers, the start of a new and unknown chapter in their lives, a journey into uncertainty, yet a crucial step towards survival. The inscription also refers to the people of England who welcomed the children, a gesture that signifies a profound act of compassion and support. Today, as you look at the Musizierende Kinder statue at Vienna’s Westbahnhof, you might just hear whispers of their past, a sad yet heartwarming melody of bravery and resilience.