Have you noticed how gracefully those two bronze figures seem to float? This is the Spree und Havel-Brunnen. It stands as a beautiful symbol of Berlin’s major rivers. We are standing at Dathepromenade in Berlin-Lichtenberg. Here, we find this captivating fountain.
Dietrich Grünig created the Spree und Havel-Brunnen between 1980 and 1982. It’s a free-standing sculpture made of bronze and natural stone. The Spree und Havel-Brunnen features two female figures. One sits and the other floats horizontally. These figures represent the Spree and Havel rivers.
The Spree und Havel-Brunnen sits slightly away from Dathepromenade. A semicircular hedge provides a backdrop. Two benches and waste containers sit in front. Multistory residential buildings frame the fountain. The Spree und Havel-Brunnen is placed within an octagonal basin. Three granite steps lead to the water. The figures rest on a cone within the basin. This cone is part of the bronze fountain stock. The cone’s surface is smooth.
The two female figures are soft and flowing. Their surfaces have small imperfections. Their hands and feet are finely detailed. The figures’ hair is styled in a bob. Each life-size sculpture has distinct facial features. Their black-gray color stands out against the granite paving. The sculptures appear graceful and weightless.
The Spree und Havel-Brunnen embodies harmony. The figures each face a different direction. Yet they form a unified whole. Their gentle forms and the water flowing from the fountain create a unique artwork. The figures’ lightness symbolizes the Spree and Havel rivers. Just as the Spree meets the Havel in Spandau. Similarly, the figures meet on the fountain’s water bell.
Back in the 1970s, this area was part of a new housing development. The Hans-Loch-Viertel needed public art. The government wanted to enhance the neighborhood. Fountains and sculptures were part of the plan. Artists in East Berlin were commissioned to create pieces. The Spree und Havel-Brunnen was chosen for this location. From 2006 to 2007, the fountain was thoroughly restored.
Yasemin Isabel Kunter described the Spree und Havel-Brunnen perfectly. She said that it is an attraction in a monotonous area. The beautifully shaped figures and flowing water draw people in. This Spree und Havel-Brunnen serves as a reminder. It is a reminder of the importance of art in public spaces. It enhances our everyday lives.