Statue of Alexander von Humboldt, Berlin

The Alexander von Humboldt statue depicts the naturalist seated and holding a globe, surrounded by plant motifs. The marble pedestal features elaborate reliefs with scientific elements and various animals that reflect Humboldt's interest in the natural world.

The marble pedestal was completed by sculptor Reinhold Begas in 1883 and honors Humboldt's significant contributions to the natural sciences and exploration. The monument was created during a time when Humboldt's intellectual legacy was celebrated across Europe.

The inscription on the pedestal comes from the University of Havana and honors Humboldt's deep connection to Cuba, where he conducted his most important research. Visitors can still read this recognition from the Spanish-speaking world today on the monument.

The monument is located on Unter den Linden in front of Humboldt University, a busy area with many other historic buildings. The site is easy to reach on foot and is frequently passed by visitors to the museum and university.

The pedestal shows a rare scene of a woman and a boy reading a book together, reflecting Humboldt's belief in spreading knowledge to all people. This domestic motif stands apart from the scientific symbols and reveals a more human side of his legacy.

Location: Berlin-Mitte

Inception: 1883

Creator: Reinhold Begas

Official opening: May 28, 1883

Made from material: marble

GPS coordinates: 52.51765,13.39408

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:22