Sprechende Laternen, Animated sculpture ensemble in Celle, Germany

The Speaking Lanterns are five animated lantern sculptures arranged as a family group in the old town and each displays different features and expression. The figures are equipped with motion sensors and activate their stories when visitors approach them.

The idea for the Speaking Lanterns came from Hildesheim light designers Matthias Schiminski and Peter Schmitz, who built them in their workshop. It was taken up for the 150th anniversary of Celle's first public gas lanterns in 2007 and developed with the city and the Tourismus Region Celle GmbH. The five lanterns were officially inaugurated on 13 November 2008 at Runde Straße / Ecke Poststraße, funded by regional sponsors as part of the LICHTART Celle light concept.

The lanterns speak in voices of local radio personalities and share stories about the city and its past. Each figure has its own personality and contributes through its narratives to how visitors understand Celle's character.

Stand in the middle of the group at Runde Straße corner Poststraße to trigger the sensors; the electronics then pick a sequence at random. Speaking times are 10:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:30, with a midday break from 13:00 to 15:00. From 18:30 to 21:30 only short greetings play, and the installation is off from 21:30 to 10:00. After each sequence there is a three-minute pause.

During special events, two of the lanterns can operate in live mode and interact directly with visitors. These hidden speakers enable spontaneous conversations that elevate the artwork beyond a static installation.