“Lost?” a friendly voice startled me. I blinked, realizing I’d been staring at the Weltkugelbrunnen, completely mesmerized. This wasn’t just a fountain. It was a chaotic symphony of water and bronze, a “Wasserklops,” as the Berliners affectionately call it. The Weltkugelbrunnen, right in front of the Europa-Center at Breitscheidplatz, is a popular meeting spot. It’s also a stage for street performers. Imagine clowns juggling while an organist plays nearby, all under the watchful gaze of this quirky fountain. The Weltkugelbrunnen’s official name means “World Globe Fountain.” The fountain consists of red granite blocks forming a half-globe, nestled in a large basin. Water gurgles and splashes over the globe, adorned with symbols from various cultures. Small bronze figures, like a bathing woman in a construction hat or “Harry the Turner,” hide amongst the flowing water. Look closely. You’ll find a miniature mountain range, a tiny alpine pasture, a cityscape, even a whimsical “garbage dump” sculpted into the bronze water feature. The Weltkugelbrunnen was designed by Joachim Schmettau and Susanne Behlert. It was unveiled in 1983, during the redesign of Breitscheidplatz. It almost met its demise in 2013, when talks of demolishing it during renovations arose. Thankfully, public outcry saved the beloved “Wasserklops.” This quirky Weltkugelbrunnen is more than a fountain. It’s a whimsical piece of Berlin’s heart, a testament to art’s enduring power.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in