Ponto Brunnen: A Tranquil Oasis in Frankfurt's City Center

A serene urban oasis in Frankfurt's financial district, the Ponto Brunnen offers a tranquil escape with its shimmering mosaics, cascading water, and monumental granite, honoring Jürgen Ponto's legacy.

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The Ponto Brunnen, located on Jürgen-Ponto-Platz in Frankfurt's Innenstadt I district, offers a moment of serenity amidst the city's bustling financial center. Designed by sculptor Heinz Mack and architects Apel, Becker, and Beckert, the fountain was inaugurated in 1980. It features three distinct elements: a central mosaic-covered disc with a thin film of water creating a shimmering effect, a multi-layered wall with water cascading down nine meters, and a monumental granite wedge. The fountain is a memorial to Jürgen Ponto, the former chairman of Dresdner Bank, who was assassinated in 1977. The plaza and fountain create a harmonious space, using high-quality materials and geometric designs that extend into the adjacent Silver Tower, now home to Deutsche Bahn.

A brief summary to Ponto Brunnen

Jürgen-Ponto-Platz, Frankfurt, Innenstadt I, 60547, DE
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Local tips

Visit during midday for the best sunlight on the silver mosaic, creating a dazzling, reflective display.
Take a moment to sit on the granite wedge and observe the contrast between the fountain's tranquility and the surrounding Bahnhofsviertel's energy.
Explore the nearby Kaiserstraße for shopping and dining options after visiting the fountain.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Ponto Brunnen is easily accessible via public transport. Take the U-Bahn lines U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, or U8 to the Willy-Brandt-Platz station. From there, it's a short walk of approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively, take tram lines 11 or 12 to the Willy-Brandt-Platz stop. From the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station), it's about a 10-minute walk. Follow Kaiserstraße away from the station, turn left onto Weserstraße, and the Jürgen-Ponto-Platz will be on your left.
Walking

From Willy-Brandt-Platz, walk approximately 150 meters towards Gallusanlage, then turn right onto Gallusanlage. After another 150 meters, turn left onto Neckarstraße. Walk past the DB building at Gallusanlage 8, and the Silver Tower and Jürgen-Ponto-Platz will be on your right, about 100 meters further along. From the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (central station), exit the main entrance, cross the square in front of the station, and continue straight along Kaiserstraße. After about 450 meters, turn left onto Weserstraße. The Silver Tower and Jürgen-Ponto-Platz will be directly ahead.

Discover more about Ponto Brunnen

The Ponto Brunnen, situated on Jürgen-Ponto-Platz in Frankfurt am Main, is more than just a fountain; it's a carefully considered urban oasis offering respite from the surrounding financial district. The fountain and plaza are named in memory of Jürgen Ponto, the former chairman of the Dresdner Bank, who was tragically assassinated in 1977 by the Red Army Faction (RAF). The location, in front of what was formerly the Dresdner Bank headquarters (the Silver Tower, now occupied by Deutsche Bahn), serves as a poignant reminder of Ponto's legacy and a testament to the city's commitment to public art. Inaugurated on June 10, 1980, the Ponto Brunnen was conceived by sculptor Heinz Mack in collaboration with architects Apel, Becker, and Beckert. The design is a masterful interplay of geometric forms, textures, and the element of water, creating a dynamic yet calming environment. The plaza itself is meticulously designed, with a geometric pattern of light and dark granite paving stones that seamlessly extends into the entrance area of the Silver Tower, blurring the lines between interior and exterior space. This thoughtful integration of the fountain and its surroundings contributes to the overall sense of harmony and balance. The fountain comprises three distinct elements, each contributing to the overall aesthetic and sensory experience. At the heart of the plaza lies the Brunnenscheibe, a circular fountain disc adorned with shimmering Venetian silver mosaic. A thin film of water gently flows over the mosaic surface, creating a mesmerizing effect of moving light and reflections. This central element provides a sense of tranquility and invites contemplation. In contrast to the serene disc, a multi-layered wall stands along the street, from which water dramatically cascades down a nine-meter drop. This cascading water feature provides a dynamic visual and auditory experience, creating a sense of energy and movement that contrasts with the stillness of the central disc. The sound of the falling water helps to mask the noise of the surrounding city, further enhancing the sense of tranquility within the plaza. Completing the ensemble is a monumental granite wedge, slightly recessed into the plaza. This solid, grounded element provides a sense of stability and permanence, contrasting with the fluidity of the water features. The granite wedge invites visitors to sit and reflect, providing a physical connection to the space and encouraging interaction with the artwork. The choice of materials for the Ponto Brunnen is deliberate and contributes to its overall elegance and sophistication. The use of high-quality granite, Venetian silver mosaic, and carefully selected plantings reflects a commitment to quality and durability. The interplay of light and shadow on the various surfaces creates a dynamic visual experience that changes throughout the day, adding another layer of interest to the artwork. While the Ponto Brunnen itself offers a moment of peace, the surrounding area presents a stark contrast. The Bahnhofsviertel, where the plaza is located, is a vibrant but often chaotic mix of businesses, entertainment venues, and residential buildings. The area is known for its multicultural atmosphere and its lively nightlife, but it also faces challenges such as prostitution and drug use. This juxtaposition of tranquility and chaos adds another layer of complexity to the Ponto Brunnen, highlighting its role as a refuge from the surrounding urban environment. Despite the challenges of its location, the Ponto Brunnen remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It provides a place to relax, reflect, and appreciate art in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. The fountain is a testament to the power of public art to transform urban spaces and create meaningful experiences for the community. The Ponto Brunnen serves as a reminder of Jürgen Ponto's contributions to Frankfurt and a symbol of the city's commitment to art, culture, and remembrance. Visiting the Ponto Brunnen offers a unique opportunity to experience a thoughtfully designed urban space that combines art, architecture, and the element of water. Whether you're seeking a moment of tranquility, a place to reflect on history, or simply a beautiful spot to enjoy the city, the Ponto Brunnen is well worth a visit. Its central location makes it easily accessible, and its timeless design ensures that it will continue to be a beloved landmark for generations to come. The fountain's integration with the Silver Tower, its carefully chosen materials, and its interplay of light and shadow all contribute to its enduring appeal. The Ponto Brunnen is a testament to the power of art to transform urban spaces and create meaningful experiences for the community, offering a serene escape in the heart of Frankfurt's dynamic city center.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Ponto Brunnen: A Tranquil Oasis in Frankfurt's City Center

A brief summary to Ponto Brunnen

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Unlock the Best of Ponto Brunnen

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Ponto Brunnen

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Ponto Brunnen

Silver Tower

Gallusanlage

Schneewitchen-Denkmal (Snow White)

Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof

Main Eiserner Steg

Die Welt

Goethepl.

Opernpl.

St. Paul's Church, Frankfurt am Main

An der Hauptwache

Eiserner Steg

Iron Footbridge

Römerberg

Gedenktafel Bücherverbrennung

Unmissable attractions to see

Olymp von Weimar

Willy-Brandt-Platz, Frankfurt

Euro Skulptur

Frankfurter Märchenbrunnen

Willy-Brandt-Platz

Taunusturm

Oper Frankfurt

Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge

Schauspiel Frankfurt

Commerzbank Tower

MAIN TOWER

Jewish Museum

Frankfurt Bahnhofsviertel

Nizza

Marshall-Brunnen

Essential places to dine

Le Petit Royal Frankfurt

Kabuki

eatDOORI Indian Restaurant

WANNAWAI

CHILINH Sushi-Restaurant

KAKADU'S

SOMMERFELD Restaurant

WEINSINN Restaurant

Der Fette Bulle

Im Herzen Afrikas

Gabaji restaurant

L'Arôme - Fine Cuisine Frankfurt am Main

MainNizza

Restaurant Alte Kanzlei Inh. Luigi Riitano

Restaurant Klosterhof

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Blue Velvet Derya GmbH

Shoes & Accessories Uebervart

City Shop Kaiser

Sec shop

CITY Shop K65

Kaiserpassage

saimas collection frankfurt indian.pakistanische

Hiyab Gifts

EuroShop

INSTYLE Tax Free Shop 茵时代 免税店

MBCY

Kauf Dich Glücklich Frankfurt

hessnatur Store Frankfurt

August Pfüller Women & Men

DIOR Frankfurt Goethestrasse

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

French Bento Bar - Frankfurt am Main

Speakeasy

High Five Bar

MY WAY Bar & Bistro

INSTYLE Tax Free Shop 茵时代免税店