Pelikan-Brunnen

Two pelicans grace the Pelikan-Brunnen. They stand as a testament to a complicated legacy. This fountain, located at the corner of Walderseestraße and Fritz-Beindorff-Allee, has a story to tell. The Pelikan-Brunnen wasn’t always adorned with pelicans. It originally featured a statue of Mercury. This statue was a bequest from a judge named Simon and was installed in 1913. Later, it was moved to the Eilenriede in 1935. Sadly, Mercury was melted down for the war effort during World War II and never recovered. The fountain stood empty, a silent reminder of loss. In 1961, the Fritz-Behrens-Stiftung commissioned sculptor Ludwig Vierthaler to create a new centerpiece for the fountain. Vierthaler crafted two bronze pelicans. These pelicans were cast at the Gebrüder Haberland foundry in Hainholz. They were a tribute to Fritz Beindorff, the owner of Pelikan AG. The pelicans were too large for the original pedestal. So, the pedestal was removed and the pelicans were placed directly on the upper basin. The Pelikan-Brunnen, as it’s known today, was inaugurated on St. Swithin’s Day in 1961. It stands as a reminder of change, adaptation, and the enduring legacy of the Pelikan company in Hanover. It is a unique piece of art. The two pelicans have distinct poses. One appears dominant and cunning, the other submissive and affectionate. The Pelikan-Brunnen offers a tranquil respite. It is a place to reflect on the passage of time and the evolving landscape of the city.