Waldmops Statue

Who knew a pug could cause such a stir? Here at the Waldmops Statue, we celebrate a creature of delightful absurdity. The Waldmops, you see, isn’t your average, fluffy lapdog. This bronze sculpture, created by Clara Walter, brings to life a fictional beast from the mind of German comedian Loriot, who was born right here in Brandenburg an der Havel. The Waldmops, as imagined by Loriot, is a sort of missing link between a majestic elk and the humble pug we know and love. In his sketch “Tierstunde – Der wilde Waldmops,” he presented this horned, mischievous creature as a menace to the German forests. The Waldmops Statue, though, is far from menacing. You’ll find several of these charming sculptures scattered throughout the city, posing in various playful positions. They arrived in 2015 as part of the Bundesgartenschau and quickly captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike. Originally, only eight statues were planned. But their popularity led to more commissions, some even funded by private donations. Each Waldmops costs around 4,500 euros to create. The statues have become so beloved that they even suffered the unfortunate fate of art theft, with a couple of the bronze pugs disappearing from their designated spots. Look closely at the Waldmops Statue. Notice the small, sturdy horns, a reminder of its supposed elk ancestry. This whimsical creature, born from a comedy sketch, has become a symbol of Brandenburg an der Havel, a testament to the enduring humor of Loriot. A life without pugs, Loriot famously quipped, is possible, but pointless. And here, in the presence of the Waldmops, it’s hard to disagree.