“Why tears here?” I imagine you are asking. Right here, before us, stands the Tränenbrunnen. That translates to the Fountain of Tears. It’s a sculpture that sparks curiosity and reflection.
The Tränenbrunnen has been here since 1973. Walter Mellmann, an Osnabrück sculptor, created it. The fountain graces the intersection of Große Straße and Georgstraße. It sits in front of the Lengermann and Trieschmann department stores. This location is right in the heart of Osnabrück’s pedestrian zone.
Observe the intertwined bronze sculpture closely. It rises approximately 3.5 meters high. The sculpture stands on three supports. These supports are within a square paved area.
The Tränenbrunnen came to be through a collaborative effort. The Gemeinschaft Große Straße, a group of around 50 merchants, worked with six artists. Together, they launched a call for submissions. A jury of merchants, building administration members, and members of the Association of Visual Artists selected the winning design.
Now, for a surprising fact about the Tränenbrunnen. In 1982, lorries damaged it three times. Then, on July 24, 2024, it happened again. This time, an OSB lorry struck the fountain. The lorry carried the damaged fountain to the service company’s warehouse. Bröcker, an Osnabrück metal construction company, repaired it in September.
The Tränenbrunnen is more than just a fountain. It is a meeting point, a landmark, and a reminder of Osnabrück’s artistic spirit.
As you continue your exploration of Osnabrück, remember the Tränenbrunnen. It is a place where art meets life. Its story is intertwined with the city’s past and present. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and significance. Let it be a reminder that even in the midst of a bustling city, there is always room for art. It offers contemplation.