Doesn’t it seem fitting that Görlitz, a city rich in history and culture, would honor a literary giant like Friedrich Schiller? The Schillerdenkmal stands as a testament to the enduring power of his words. It also marks the city’s deep appreciation for art.
Let’s step back in time to November 1859. Germany was preparing to celebrate Schiller’s 100th birthday. Festivities and memorials were planned everywhere. Görlitz formed its own Schiller committee. The committee gathered funds for the celebrations and the memorial’s construction. Individuals, clubs, schools, guilds, intellectuals, and churches all donated.
Originally, the grand opening was planned for November 10th. But the police did not allow a parade that day. So, the event was moved to Saturday, November 12th. A local newspaper reported this was lucky. Thursday had been very rainy.
Two days after Schiller’s 100th birthday, the Schillerkomitee laid the monument’s foundation stone. This was on November 12, 1859.
However, the road to completion was bumpy. Literally. The first base was made of marble. It suffered many damages during transport. The monument with its current base was unveiled on June 23, 1861.
The corners of the base are decorated with laurel wreaths. A metal plate reads “Schiller.” Above it sits a bust of the poet. The bust is a copy of Dannecker’s sculpture of Schiller. These copies were mass-produced then. In 1859, one cost only 60 Taler. The whole memorial cost around 300 Taler.
Interestingly, the Schillerdenkmal was the first public monument in Görlitz. The city was already full of beautiful buildings. Dr. Blau said it showed the community’s spirit.
The unveiling on June 23, 1861, was quite early. It took place at 6 a.m. At the same time, the monument was given to the city. The city may have had mixed feelings. No other memorial caused them so many problems.
Today, you can find the Schillerdenkmal at Doktor-Kahlbaum-Allee and Blockhausstraße. It remains freely accessible. You can reach it by car or bus. There is parking on Dr.-Kahlbaum-Allee.
So, as you stand before the Schillerdenkmal, remember its journey. Remember the community that rallied behind it. It is more than a statue. It symbolizes Görlitz’s cultural pride. The city recognized the importance of honoring those who inspire. Take a moment to appreciate the “singer of the beautiful, the true, and the good.”