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Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm

Witness Prussian history at the Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm in Berlin's Charlottenburg Palace, a symbol of power, ambition, and complex legacies.

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The Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm, an equestrian statue of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, stands as a testament to Prussian power and ambition. Created by Andreas Schlüter and cast in bronze by Johann Jacobi, the monument depicts the Elector in Roman attire, symbolizing his authority and military prowess. Originally erected on the Lange Brücke, it faced the Berliner Schloss, visually asserting the Elector's dominion over the city. The statue's base features chained figures, traditionally interpreted as representing the Electorate's vanquished foes. However, modern interpretations also link these figures to Frederick William's involvement in early Brandenburg's colonial endeavors and the transatlantic slave trade. Today, the monument resides in the Cour d'honneur of Charlottenburg Palace, offering visitors a glimpse into Prussia's complex history and legacy.

A brief summary to Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm

  • Spandauer Damm 10, Berlin, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, 14059, DE

Local tips

  • Take time to examine the details of the statue, including the Elector's attire and the figures at the base, to fully appreciate the artistry and symbolism.
  • Consider the historical context of the statue, including Frederick William's role in Brandenburg's colonial endeavors and the transatlantic slave trade, to gain a deeper understanding of its complexities.
  • Combine your visit to the monument with a tour of Charlottenburg Palace to explore the history and culture of Prussia.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U7 U-Bahn line to Richard-Wagner-Platz station, or the S41, S42, or S46 S-Bahn lines to Westend station. From either station, it's approximately a 10-15 minute walk along Spandauer Damm to Charlottenburg Palace. Alternatively, several bus lines (109, 309, M45) stop at Schloss Charlottenburg or Luisenplatz/Schloss Charlottenburg, which are very close to the monument. A single ride ticket within Berlin AB zone costs €3.80.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Spandauer Damm 10, 14059 Berlin. Limited paid parking is available at the Theaterparkplatz am Schloss Charlottenburg, located directly adjacent to the palace grounds. Parking costs approximately €2.00 per hour. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during peak tourist season.

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Discover more about Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm

The Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm, more than just a statue, is a powerful symbol of Prussian history, ambition, and the complexities of its legacy. Located in the Cour d'honneur (Ehrenhof) of Charlottenburg Palace, this equestrian monument commands attention, inviting contemplation on the life and times of Frederick William, Elector of Brandenburg, and the evolving interpretations of his reign. The statue itself is a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture, the creation of Andreas Schlüter, one of the most important sculptors of his time. Schlüter began work on the model in 1696, and Johann Jacobi cast it in bronze starting in 1700. The monument was unveiled in 1703, with the base figures and reliefs added in 1709. The Elector is depicted astride his horse, not in contemporary military garb, but in the guise of a Roman emperor, complete with flowing robes and a commanding presence. This deliberate choice underscored the Elector's aspirations to power and prestige, linking his rule to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Originally, the statue stood on the Lange Brücke (now Rathausbrücke) in Berlin, strategically positioned to face the Berliner Schloss, the Elector's palace. This placement visually reinforced the Elector's authority over the city and its inhabitants. His right arm, holding a commander's staff, pointed towards the city, a symbolic gesture of military command. The monument was intended to project an image of strength, control, and unwavering rule. The base of the statue is adorned with chained figures, a feature common in equestrian monuments of the era. Traditionally, these figures have been interpreted as representing the enemies of Brandenburg, subjugated and defeated by the Elector's military might. They served as a visual reminder of the Elector's victories and the expansion of his territories. However, in recent years, a more nuanced and critical interpretation of these figures has emerged. Modern historians and scholars have begun to examine the statue in the context of Frederick William's involvement in the early stages of Brandenburg's colonial endeavors. In 1682, the Elector founded the Brandenburgisch-Afrikanische Compagnie (BAC), a trading company that participated in the transatlantic slave trade. The BAC established a trading post in present-day Ghana and transported thousands of enslaved Africans to the Caribbean. Given this historical context, the chained figures at the base of the statue can also be seen as representing the victims of Brandenburg's colonial ambitions and the brutal realities of the slave trade. This interpretation adds a layer of complexity to the monument, forcing viewers to confront the darker aspects of Prussian history. The statue's journey through history has been eventful. During World War II, it was removed from its original location for safekeeping. After the war, it was intended to be transported by barge to Charlottenburg Palace, but the barge sank in the Westhafen, taking the statue with it. It took two years to recover the monument from the depths. In 1951, it was finally re-erected in its current location in the Cour d'honneur of Charlottenburg Palace. Today, the Denkmal des Großen Kurfürsten Friedrich Wilhelm stands as a powerful reminder of Prussia's rise to power, its military achievements, and its complex relationship with colonialism and the slave trade. It is a monument that invites dialogue, debate, and a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped Berlin and the world.

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