Gazing up at this impressive figure, one might wonder about the man immortalized in bronze. This, my friends, is the Werner von Siemens Statue, a tribute to a true giant of innovation. Werner von Siemens, born in 1816, wasn’t just an inventor. He was a visionary who shaped the modern world. The statue, created by Wilhelm Wandschneider, was unveiled on October 19, 1899. It originally stood near the old main building of the Technical University of Berlin, alongside a statue of Alfred Krupp.
The Werner von Siemens Statue depicts him in contemporary clothing, capturing a sense of realism. Behind him stands a dynamo, a testament to his groundbreaking work in electrical engineering. The statue, cast in bronze by the Lauchhammer foundry, stands upon a granite pedestal. The pedestal bears the inscription “WERNER / VON / SIEMENS”. You can also find the sculptor’s name, “WANDSCHNEIDER”, and “geg: Lauchhammer”, indicating the foundry, discreetly marked on the plinth.
The statue has witnessed the changing face of Berlin. It was moved after World War II, first to the power and heating plant. Then, in 1966, it found its current home facing the main building of the Technical University, along the Straße des 17. Juni. In 2006, the statue underwent a meticulous restoration. The university’s president at the time, Kurt Kutzler, spoke of the special bond between Siemens and the university during the re-unveiling ceremony.
Werner von Siemens’s legacy extends far beyond this statue. He co-founded the company that bears his name, a global powerhouse in technology and innovation. His inventions, including the pointer telegraph and improvements to the dynamo, revolutionized communication and power generation. He played a pivotal role in developing the first electric railway in Germany, a testament to his forward-thinking approach. His impact on Berlin and the world is undeniable. As you stand before this monument, take a moment to appreciate the man who helped electrify our world. His ingenuity continues to inspire generations of engineers and innovators.