From political symbol to sight: Marx-Kopf turns 50

The Chemnitz Marx head is 50. To this end, the city has not only organized an exhibition, but a party around the huge portrait bust.

For Mayor Schulze, the relationship between people and this political symbol from GDR times has relaxed.

Chemnitz - In Chemnitz, the 50th birthday of the famous giant Karl Mark monument was celebrated on Saturday. Among other things, an information stele for the portrait bust was unveiled, an exhibition opened in the “Open Space” behind the monument, and city tours and creative activities for adults and children were offered. The festival for the “Nischel”, as the Marx head is popularly known, was well attended, said project manager Cornelia Siegel. A concert with various bands and a light installation was planned for the evening.

In the opinion of Mayor Sven Schulze (SPD), the Karl Marx monument in Chemnitz is one of the most important symbols for the city. Schulze (SPD) told the German press that the “Kopp” has helped shape the city's history over the past 50 years and is closely linked to reunification and the renaming and renaming of Chemnitz, which was called Karl-Marx-Stadt in GDR times -Agency. "In recent years, however, its perception has changed from a political symbol towards a tourist attraction."

The 40-ton, huge bronze philosopher's head is considered the second largest portrait bust in the world.

It was created by the Russian sculptor Lev Kerbel (1917-2003) and unveiled in front of 250,000 people on October 9, 1971.

The ensemble of monuments includes a lettering with the quote from Marx “Workers of all countries, unite!”.

It is emblazoned in several languages ​​on the building behind it.

Today the sculpture is a popular photo opportunity, meeting place and place for demonstrations.

It also adorns numerous souvenirs such as cups, coffee and USB sticks or is available as a colored miniature bust.

also read

“Opportunity for a new beginning” for the New National Gallery

The building is celebrated as a landmark of modern architecture.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's New National Gallery reopens.

This frees many works of art from long storage years.

“Opportunity for a new beginning” for the New National Gallery

Car transporter drives through a bridge that is too low - then the ominous happens

This bridge has it all: because motorists regularly underestimate its low height, there are countless accidents.

One van has now been hit particularly hard.

Car transporter drives through a bridge that is too low - then the ominous happens

People form a chain against "dying in the Mediterranean"

Activists formed a human chain across Duisburg on Saturday to draw attention to “dying on the escape routes”.

The snake is a "chain of rescue for human rights", announced the organizers of the "Seebrücke" movement in advance.

This should set an example for more humanity and against the death of migrants in the Mediterranean.

People form a chain against "dying in the Mediterranean"

“50 years is a good point to make sure of and remember your history,” emphasized Schulze.

A lot has happened in the past 50 years.

The celebration shows an increasingly relaxed relationship to the sculpture.

"For me personally, the head has always belonged to Chemnitz, I'm almost as old as this sculpture," said the Social Democrat.

“I can still remember the big political demonstrations at the turnaround in front of the Kopp, with Brandt and Kohl,” he said, referring to the two former Chancellors Willy Brandt (SPD) and Helmut Kohl (CDU).

dpa