Granite bowl

The granite bowl is a monumental stone sculpture standing in front of the Altes Museum, carved from a single granite block. Its broad, flat form resembles a giant vessel, with the rough texture of the stone clearly visible across its surface.

A Prussian king commissioned this work in the early 19th century to place it as a representative stone in front of one of the most important museums. Completion took several years and marked a high point of Prussian classicism.

The name of this work refers to its practical origins, yet today it is perceived as an artistic creation. Visitors see more than just a stone here—they recognize a symbol that displays Prussian strength and craftsmanship.

This artwork is located in the Lustgarten and can be viewed year-round without entering a museum. Its location in open grounds makes it easily accessible for visitors with different mobility needs.

The stone was originally transported to Brandenburg as a glacial erratic block from Scandinavia and is hundreds of millions of years old. This origin means the stone mass is older than most of the European landscapes that now surround it.

Location: Bezirk Mitte von Berlin

Inception: 1834

Architects: Christian Gottlieb Cantian

Architectural style: historicist architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Made from material: granite

GPS coordinates: 52.51910,13.39915

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41