Bürgermeister-Smidt-Denkmal

The Bürgermeister-Smidt-Denkmal is a life-sized bronze statue mounted on a three-tiered sandstone base with a red marble pedestal located at Theodor-Heuss-Platz. The composition includes multiple allegorical figures representing different aspects of commerce and maritime activity.

Johann Smidt led Bremen as mayor from 1821 to 1857 and founded Bremerhaven in 1827 by acquiring land at the Weser estuary. This monument marks his central role in transforming Bremen into an international trading port.

The figures on the monument represent people connected to world trade: a Hanseatic merchant, a foreign boy, a sailor, and a local youth. Together they tell the story of how trade shaped the city's identity.

The monument stands freely accessible on Theodor-Heuss-Platz in the city center, open to visit at any time. The square has good public transport connections and sits near other points of interest in the area.

The statue's right hand points toward the Old Port while the left hand holds a windlass containing the 1827 Treaty with Hannover. This detail links the figure's gesture directly to the mayor's greatest achievements for the city.

Location: Mitte

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Address: Theodor-Heuss-Platz, 27568 Bremerhaven

Website: https://denkmalpflege.bremen.de/sixcms/detail.php?template=20_denkmal_wrapper_d&obj=00001553

GPS coordinates: 53.54129,8.58188

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:26