Brunnen der Lebensfreude, Bronze fountain at Universitätsplatz, Germany
The Brunnen der Lebensfreude is a circular bronze sculpture with 16 figures depicting people and animals arranged in a basin about 20 meters across. Water sprays from various points, creating continuous movement between the figures.
Jo Jastram and Reinhard Dietrich created this fountain, which opened in 1980 at Universitätsplatz and was meant to celebrate joy in life. It emerged during a period when Rostock was shaping itself as a cultural center.
The bronze figures show people in everyday moments—couples embracing, families playing together—and tell stories of human connections. These scenes invite visitors to discover the depicted moments and find their own meaning in them.
The basin invites lingering and offers cooling water mist on warm days, especially when approaching the fountain. The open design allows unrestricted access to the artwork from all directions.
At the center of the fountain, four figures form a pyramid representing a family, while swans, dogs, and wild boars surround the scene. This arrangement creates an unexpected interplay between humanity and nature in the heart of the city.
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