Kunstweg MenschenSpuren, Sculpture trail and circular path in Mettmann and Erkrath, Germany
The Kunstweg MenschenSpuren is a roughly 1.2-kilometer route featuring 11 artistic installations along the Düssel River that connect human traces with the surrounding landscape. The individual works are positioned throughout the valley to link the river with the areas around it.
The trail was created in 2002 as part of the EUROGA 2002plus initiative, introducing contemporary art installations to the Neandertal region. This project aimed to highlight the valley's history and character through artistic expression.
The sculptures explore connections between people and their environment through artworks placed directly within the landscape. As you walk, you can see how each artist has responded to the specific location and what makes this valley distinctive.
The trail begins at the Neanderthal Museum, where visitors can obtain headphones to listen to artist interviews while walking the route. The ground is mostly flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible for different fitness levels.
The installation 'The Man Who Never Ceased to Grow' by Zadok Ben-David features Neanderthal silhouettes cut from steel plates positioned throughout the path. This work brings together human history and modern artistic craft in an unexpected way.
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