Who would have thought a hippo could cause such a commotion? This, my friends, is the Nilpferdbrunnen. It’s a quirky little fountain tucked away in a triangular patch of pavement. The Nilpferdbrunnen isn’t grand or imposing. It’s small and a bit odd, but it has a story to tell. The star of the show is a bronze hippo, perched on the edge of a sandstone basin. When the fountain is working, water spouts from its nostrils. Now, here’s the kicker. On the hippo’s back, completely oblivious to the size of their potential prey, stand two miniature big game hunters. A woman with binoculars and a man with a gun. They seem to think this hippo is their next trophy. The Nilpferdbrunnen was created in 1978 by the artist Nikolaus Bode. The sculpture has had a bit of a dramatic life. In 1991, the original hippo was stolen. Can you imagine the audacity? Thankfully, it was replaced in 1996 with a replica cast from the original mold. The fountain itself underwent some renovations in 1997. So, the Nilpferdbrunnen we see today is a testament to its own resilience. The next time you’re near Wühlischplatz, take a moment to appreciate this whimsical fountain and its slightly absurd story.
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