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Kreislauf des Geldes: Aachen's Monetary Cycle Fountain

Discover Aachen's 'Cycle of Money' fountain: a unique blend of art and social commentary in the heart of the historic city.

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The Kreislauf des Geldes (Cycle of Money) is a captivating fountain in Aachen, Germany, created in 1976 by Karl-Henning Seemann. Located on Ursulinerstraße, it features bronze figures depicting various aspects of money, such as greed and generosity, set around a shallow pool fed by warm thermal waters.

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A brief summary to Kreislauf des Geldes

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

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Ursulinerstraße, Aachen, 52062, DE

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    Getting There

    Walking

    The Kreislauf des Geldes is located on Ursulinerstraße, near the Elisengarten in Aachen. From Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) head east towards the city center. Walk along Büchel street, then turn right onto Ursulinerstraße. The fountain will be on your right.

    Public Transport

    Aachen is well-served by public transport. Several bus lines stop near the Elisengarten, including lines 11, 21, 25, 45 and 51. From the bus stop at Elisenbrunnen, walk along Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz, turn right onto Hartmannstraße, and then turn left onto Ursulinerstraße. The fountain will be on your left. A short bus ride within Aachen costs approximately €2.80.

    Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Aachen. A taxi ride from Aachen Central Station (Aachen Hauptbahnhof) to Ursulinerstraße is a short trip, costing approximately €13-15, depending on traffic and the time of day. Taxi stands are located near the main train station and throughout the city center.

    Local tips

    Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs and to avoid larger crowds.
    Take time to observe the intricate details of each bronze sculpture to fully appreciate the artist's message.
    Enjoy a relaxing break on the benches surrounding the fountain and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

    Discover more about Kreislauf des Geldes

    The Kreislauf des Geldes, often called the Geldbrunnen (Money Fountain), is a thought-provoking and artistic fountain created by Karl-Henning Seemann in 1976. Situated on Ursulinerstraße, near the Elisengarten, the fountain offers a unique reflection on the role of money in society. The fountain features a collection of bronze sculptures arranged around a shallow, circular basin. These figures represent different facets of the "cycle of money," including depictions of greed, generosity, begging, and even a child watching their father count money. The water in the fountain flows counter-clockwise, symbolizing the continuous flow of money. Unusually, the fountain is fed by warm water from Aachen's thermal springs, allowing it to operate year-round. The Kreislauf des Geldes serves not only as an art installation but also as a social commentary, inviting viewers to consider the various ways in which money influences human behavior. It's a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil space to relax and contemplate the artistic and social significance of the fountain.
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    File:AachenCathedral (Exterior of Aachen Cathedral) und links St. Foillan  (St. Foillan, Aachen) (im Vordergrund der Katschhof) 2022 in Aachen.jpg -  Wikimedia Commons

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