Pinguine Statue

Lost amidst the greenery of Stadtpark Lichtenberg, a pair of penguins stands frozen in time. These aren’t living, breathing birds, of course. This is the Pinguine statue, a charming sculpture nestled on the eastern bank of the park’s pond. A weeping willow gracefully drapes over them, creating a tranquil scene. These life-sized penguins, crafted from Kunststein, stand close, almost touching. The slightly larger penguin on the right appears to be affectionately preening the smaller one’s head. The Pinguine statue is attributed to Helmut Weiss, a sculptor from Dresden who also created the bear sculptures at the park’s open-air theater. While some sources date the Pinguine statue to 1965, Weiss actually passed away in 1962. This discrepancy adds a layer of mystery to the penguins’ origins. Sadly, these charming birds have suffered some damage over the years. As early as 1993, reports noted their broken beaks. It remains unclear whether they were repaired and subsequently broken again. The penguins are a testament to the enduring power of art, even in its most fragile forms. They stand as a quiet reminder of nature’s beauty, inviting us to pause and appreciate the simple charm of these endearing creatures. The Pinguine statue, with its lifelike detail and touching pose, continues to captivate visitors to Stadtpark Lichtenberg, offering a moment of peace amidst the bustling city.