Goethe–Schiller Monument

The Goethe–Schiller Monument is a bronze sculpture depicting two writers in period clothing standing side by side in the center of Weimar. Each figure stands approximately 370 centimeters tall and faces in a different direction on the square in front of the National Theater.

The sculptor Ernst Friedrich August Rietschel created this monument in 1857 using bronze material given by the Bavarian king. The work was completed during a period when Weimar was establishing itself as a major center of German culture.

The monument honors the literary partnership between Goethe and Schiller, who worked together during their time in Weimar. The two figures stand side by side, symbolizing the close artistic bond that shaped this era.

The monument stands on Theater Square in central Weimar, directly in front of the German National Theater and is easy to locate. The entire area is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for all visitors to view and appreciate the sculpture.

Although the two writers were different heights in real life, the sculpture depicts them at precisely equal stature. This was an intentional artistic choice to express their equal importance in literary history.

Location: Weimar

Inception: 1857

Creator: Ernst Friedrich August Rietschel

Height: 370 cm

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: bronze

GPS coordinates: 50.97984,11.32565

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:43