Noris Statue

Sculpted in bronze, the Noris Statue stands as a testament to Nuremberg’s rich history. The Noris Statue isn’t just a statue. It’s a two-part fountain, featuring two female figures. One stands upright in the upper bowl, while the other reclines in the lower bowl. The Noris Statue was brought to life by sculptor Hanspeter Widrig in 1994. It was a gift from Kurt Klutentreter, a Nuremberg resident. The original design was quite different. It featured a stylized Nuremberg cityscape with a female figure holding a globe. This was to commemorate 500 years since the birth of Martin Behaim. He was a Nuremberg native who created the first terrestrial globe. The globe was meant to have a banner proclaiming, “Nuremberg trinkets go everywhere.” However, the city architect, Walter Anderle, rejected this initial design. He deemed it too Art Nouveau. Widrig then stepped in to create the design we see today. Interestingly, Klutentreter wasn’t a fan of the final version. The Noris Statue even has a bit of hidden controversy. The original donor plaque has been replaced with a bronze book. The last lines of the dedication have mysteriously been removed. Look closely at the lower fountain bowl. You’ll find an inscription marking two significant anniversaries: “1995: 60 years of the Nuremberg Laws / 50 years of peace.” The Noris Statue is more than just a beautiful piece of art. It is a reflection of Nuremberg’s complex and fascinating history.