Goethe-Denkmal, Bronze monument at Goetheplatz, Frankfurt, Germany.
The Goethe Monument is a bronze statue approximately 7 meters tall standing in central Frankfurt's Goetheplatz square. The figure shows the poet in a standing pose holding a laurel wreath in one hand and a scroll in the other, with an ornate base decorated with detailed bronze reliefs.
Sculptor Ludwig Michael Schwanthaler created the statue, which was officially unveiled on October 22, 1844. It marked Frankfurt's tribute to its most celebrated native son and soon became a central monument honoring one of Germany's greatest writers.
The monument portrays Goethe holding symbols of his literary achievement and recognition, while bronze reliefs at the base tell stories from his major works. These carvings blend scenes of literature, science, and drama to honor his broad intellectual influence.
The monument sits in a public square at the heart of the city and is accessible from several directions. You can easily find it on foot since it sits at a major intersection, and all sides of the plaza offer good views of the statue.
During World War II bombing raids in 1944, Frankfurt residents buried the damaged statue to protect it from metal scrappers. This action saved the sculpture from destruction and reveals the community's deep connection to this monument.
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