The city will cover storage costs after more than 20 years and will initially place the original in an art depot
After more than two decades in an Arheilgen stonemason's workshop, a solution is emerging for the historic Germania statue from Eberstadt. The city of Darmstadt will cover the storage costs and initially move the restored plaster sculpture to its art depot. It is expected to be given a new home in Eberstadt's town hall by 2027.
The Germania statue, standing approximately 1.60 meters tall, has commemorated the victims of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71 in Eberstadt since 1899. Due to weather damage, the city commissioned master stonemason Ruth Andres and her colleague Andreas Heimbrock to restore the plaster sculpture, which was already more than 120 years old at the time, in 2003.
At the same time, a bronze copy was made. It now stands on Heidelberger Landstraße at the corner of Seeheimer Straße. The restored original was then supposed to be placed in the Eberstadt town hall – but this never happened.
The original remained in the workshop for 23 years
The statue was not collected after the work was completed and remained covered and stored in dry conditions in Ruth Andres' workshop in Arheilgen. It was only during internal investigations that the city rediscovered the figure's whereabouts. Andres subsequently invoiced the city for 23 years' worth of storage costs and requested a scheduled collection.
Mayor and Head of Cultural Affairs Hanno Benz has now reached an agreement with Andres. The city will cover the storage costs for 276 months. At eight euros per square meter per month, this amounts to a total of 2,627.52 euros. According to the city, the payment is made without admission of liability.
Hanno Benz will inspect the statue in the workshop
Benz has also arranged a visit to the workshop in Arheilgen for early next week. There he wants to see the Germania statue for himself.
After being collected, the historical original will initially be housed in the art depot of the city of Darmstadt. The Eberstadt town hall is again planned as its permanent location. Installation is expected to be completed by 2027.
“We thank Ruth Andres and Andreas Heimbrock for having so carefully preserved the statue all these years. Sometimes things take a little longer,” Benz commented on the unusually long story with a wink.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/ho)
