Bessel-Ei, Skulptur in Bremen-Mitte
Bessel-Ei is a large sculpture on a central square in Bremen, made from various materials including concrete, granite, metal, and brass. It features a prominent white egg shape at its center, alongside stylized representations of a telescope, measuring tool, a bust of the astronomer, and forms symbolizing planets and stars.
The sculpture was completed in 1989 by artist Jürgen Goertz and installed at its current location in 1990. It honors Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel, an early 19th-century astronomer who measured distances to stars and precisely calculated Earth's shape, revolutionizing navigation and cartography.
The name 'Ei' refers to Bessel's study of Earth's shape, which he calculated as slightly flattened at the poles. Visitors and locals use the sculpture as a place to pause and reflect on how science connects to everyday life.
The sculpture stands on a busy central square surrounded by shops and buildings, making it easy to find and visit. The square has benches nearby where visitors can sit and view the artwork, especially during pleasant weather.
The sculpture sits at a location with direct historical connection to Bessel: nearby once stood the Ansgar Church, from whose tower Bessel conducted land surveys as a young man. This placement links the present-day artwork to Bessel's actual scientific workplaces.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
