Schifffahrtsbrunnen

Amidst the bustling energy of Cologne, a silent sentinel stands, the Schifffahrtsbrunnen. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen whispers tales of Mülheim’s past, a time when the rhythm of life was set by the ebb and flow of the Rhine. Originally part of a two-fountain ensemble, the Schifffahrtsbrunnen and its counterpart, the Handelsbrunnen, were sculpted by Hans Wildermann around 1912. They were crafted from bronze and stone, a tribute to Mülheim’s origins as a fishing village. The fountains were commissioned by the Mülheim Beautification Association and the Felten & Guilleaume company. Before gracing Mülheim, the Schifffahrtsbrunnen and Handelsbrunnen made their debut at a Düsseldorf city exhibition in 1912. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen was originally located at the southern end of Clevischer Ring. The Handelsbrunnen stood at the northern end. However, the construction of the new Mülheim Bridge necessitated the removal of the Schifffahrtsbrunnen. It was placed in storage. This act of preservation proved fortunate. During World War II, the Handelsbrunnen was destroyed. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen, safe in storage, survived, albeit missing its crowning figures. Both fountains shared a similar design. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen depicts a woman holding an anchor, symbolizing fishing. Flanking her are two horsemen, each hoisting a large shell, from which water once flowed. The lost Handelsbrunnen featured a male figure leaning against a wire roll, with horse-fish hybrids ridden by muscular men holding shells aloft. In 1978, Bernhard Kempkes, chairman of the Mülheim Citizens’ Association, rediscovered the remnants of the Schifffahrtsbrunnen in a Cologne depot and returned it to Mülheim. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen now resides near the Wiener Platz, close to the town hall and Stadthalle. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Mülheim, a reminder of its rich history. Even the theft of its shells some years ago couldn’t diminish its significance. Thanks to the efforts of the Citizens’ Association and others, new shells were installed in 2014. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Mülheim. The “Nie gehässig” social club has been its patron since 1982. Small plaques on the fountain commemorate the dedication of those who have helped preserve it. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen is more than just a statue. It’s a living piece of Mülheim’s story. The Schifffahrtsbrunnen whispers tales of a time when fish and ships shaped the destiny of this town. Its presence is a call to remember, to cherish the past, and to shape a future worthy of its legacy.