WITTELSBACH FOUNTAIN AT LENBACH SQUARE (German: Lenbachplatz)
Wittelsbach Fountain is a monumental fountain on the north-western edge of downtown Munich, the transition from Lenbach Square to Maximilian Square near the Munich Stock Exchange. It was built between 1893 and 1895 according to plans by the sculptor Adolf von Hildebrand in the style of classicism. His subject is an allegory of the primordial forces of the element of water. With respect to the calm and clear design as well as among urban aspects the fountain is considered one of the most artistically accomplished facilities in the Bavarian capital.
The rediscovery of the aesthetic design principles of classical antiquity in the first half of the 19th Century brought a return to the fountains of Renaissance art. The fountain should serve as a transition between Karlsplatz Square and Maximilian Square, the present Lenbach Square, and was supposed to be built on the remains of the old city walls.
The fountain was donated by the City of Munich, who wanted to celebrate the completion of a new high pressure line from the Mangfall Valley to supply the citizens with drinking water in 1883. After almost two years of work the unveiling of the fountain took place on 12 June 1895.
For Hildebrand, the Wittelsbach Fountain was the first in a series of five monumental town fountains.
During the Second World War the plant was badly damaged and after the war by the sculptor and pupil Theodor Georgii Hildebrand restored. On 3 October 1952 the well was put into operation again.
The left figure shows a young man riding a water fish-tailed horse, as it emerges from the floods. With both hands he holds a rock with which he prepares to throw. Hildebrand created with the figure an allegory on the destructive power of water, an allusion to the unbridled force of mountain streams.
The right figure shows an Amazon. She sits on a fish-tailed marine animal. With her left hand stretched out towards the viewer with a bowl of water. This figure symbolizes the fruitful and healing power of water.
Operation / Illumination
The fountain is illuminated around the clock, except on sunny days.
Location: Munich, Lenbach Square (German: Lenbachplatz)
Location: Munich, Lenbach Square (German: Lenbachplatz)
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