Deluge fountain shines again: cultural monument on Perelsplatz renovated!

Deluge fountain shines again: cultural monument on Perelsplatz renovated!

The Deluge Fountain on Perelsplatz is back! The impressive cultural monument has been bubbling again since October 9th, although the season is about to end. The extensive renovation, which cost around 160,000 euros, gives the majestic fountain from 1895 a new shine. This building, designed by sculptor Paul Aichele, attracts attention not only with its history, but also with its symbolic representation. At the top of the fountain, a mother hugs her child for protection, while a man emerges from the picture with his deceased wife in his arms, an image that could make you think.

“A timeless topic,” noted City Councilor Saskia Ellenbeck (Greens), who is responsible for order and the environment, and refers to the current challenges that many people are facing. This dramatic scene is a reminder that even today, floods can pose enormous challenges to people. The fountain has an eventful history behind it; In 1931 it found its place on Perelsplatz, which was then still known as Maybachplatz.

Extensive renovation work

Over the years, the ravages of time have left their mark. “It was no longer beautiful: overgrown with moss, cracks, and there were problems with the technology,” reported Ellenbeck. In order to get the fountain back into shape, various partners had to be brought on board. The Senate Department for Urban Development took over the financing of the natural stone renovation, while the monument protection authority had a significant influence on the work. The Berliner Wasserbetriebe took over the renovation of the entire pool floor and ensured that the water can bubble safely again in the future.

In recent years, investments have also been made in the infrastructure of the Perelsplatz garden monument. Around 700,000 euros went into renewing the paths, pruning plants and planting new bushes. These measures were based on the historical model of Fritz Zahn, who was responsible for the design of the square in 1904. Zahn created a friendly space with benches and floral decorations that offered a quick connection to what was then the train station. His design also included a playground, which was considered very modern for the time and still provides a focal point for children today.

A living story

Maybachplatz was renamed in 1961 in honor of the resistance fighter Friedrich Justus Leopold Perel, in whose memory there is also a plaque at his former high school. Perel attended the high school in the 1920s, which is now used as the Friedrich Bergius Secondary School. The square and fountain are therefore not only a beautiful sight, but also an important part of local history and identity.

The Deluge Fountain, a work of art of remarkable value, has been given new life through recent renovation and will hopefully amaze many generations to come. With their commitment, the responsible authorities have upgraded not only the fountain, but also the entire surrounding area, making the square an even more attractive place for the residents and visitors of Friedenau, which at the same time also serves as a reminder of the deeper meaning of the burning issues of our time. The effort that went into this beautiful space shows how important it is to preserve and care for cultural heritage.