Who knew an obelisk could dance? Here at the Pendelobelisk, we witness a delightful paradox. This isn’t your typical ancient monument. The Pendelobelisk, a striking 27-meter tall bronze sculpture, stands proudly on a 3-meter wide sphere. Unveiled on December 19, 2003, it graces the intersection of Kurfürstendamm and Joachimstaler Straße. The artist, Karl Schlamminger, born in Germany in 1935, has left his artistic mark across the globe, from Athens and Lisbon to Tehran and beyond. His works can even be found in cities like London, Riyadh, Salt Lake City, Leipzig, and his current home, Munich. Schlamminger intended the Pendelobelisk to be a contradiction. Obelisks, traditionally static and reaching towards the heavens, are reimagined here in a dynamic form. As its name suggests, this obelisk can actually move, defying its ancient counterparts. This playful interactivity invites us to engage with the sculpture. A nearby plaque encourages us: “Make a wish when you nudge me.” This unique feature transforms the Pendelobelisk from a mere art piece into a vessel of hopes and dreams. The sculpture was a generous gift to the city of Berlin from the construction entrepreneur Thomas Grothe and his father, Hans Grothe. These prominent figures have shaped the city’s landscape, particularly in the City West area, with numerous large-scale projects. The Pendelobelisk’s location, near the Allianz-Haus, places it in the heart of Berlin’s vibrant energy. It’s a place where art, architecture, and the human spirit converge. So, come, make a wish, and experience the delightful anomaly of the Pendelobelisk. Feel the gentle sway as you nudge this towering sculpture, and let your hopes take flight alongside this dancing obelisk.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in