Monumental Corten steel sculpture by Faxe M. Müller sets a cultural highlight in Arheilgen
The sculpture trail along the Mühlbach promenade between Arheilgen and Wixhausen has gained a new section: The "Southern Entrance" was officially opened on November 7th. The centerpiece of the new area at the Arheilgen tram terminus is the monumental Corten steel sculpture "KK 2020 #2" by the artist Faxe M. Müller.
Organized by the Friends of New Sculpture Darmstadt e.V., the event continues the idea, begun in the spring, of making art visible and accessible in the northern districts of the city. Following the opening of the "Northern Start" sculpture trail at the Aumühle in Wixhausen in early summer, the Arheilgen location now forms its counterpart in the growing sculpture trail.
In his address, club chairman Karsten Bliesener emphasized that the new installation represents "not only an extension of the path" but also "an enhancement of the urban landscape." The southern section will be connected in the future via new pathways to the B3 highway and onward to the retention basin. "This will create a green corridor between Arheilgen and Wixhausen that offers both scenic and cultural experiences," said Bliesener.
The welcoming remarks by Hanno Benz (Mayor) and Michael Kolmer (City Councillor for Climate Protection, Urban Planning, Green Spaces and the Environment) emphasized the importance of the project for the city's cultural life. Benz spoke of a "good example of how art and civic engagement can work together," while Kolmer described the year 2025 as a "renaissance of art in public spaces in Darmstadt."
Curator Prof. Dr. Astrid von Luxburg presented the work of the artist, born in Jossgrund in 1963. Müller's "wedge-shaped bodies," as she described them in her art historical context, are "three-dimensional calligraphies made of steel" that combine tension and dynamism with harmonious tranquility. The material, Corten steel, whose surface develops a protective patina through weathering, makes the sculpture an ideal outdoor object: "Like a living organism, it grows from the ground and simultaneously represents movement and change."
Merck, a key partner, was also present: Tanja Zocher, Head of Arts & Culture at Merck, emphasized the company's special commitment to regional art and culture projects: "The sculpture trail is now a symbol of our close and positive relationship with our neighbors. With our support, we want to provide a lasting boost to the art scene and public spaces in Darmstadt." Her statement underscores how significant Merck's sponsorship is for the project – not only as financial support, but also as a contribution to strengthening the cultural landscape in the region.
Faxe M. Müller, known for his abstract-constructive works, describes his work with the words:
"I am interested in the balance between stability and movement. A wedge-shaped body that rotates, stretches, and at the same time rests – for me, this is a metaphor for our own existence between stability and change."
With a height of over three meters and its strikingly twisted volume, “KK 2020 #2” appears as a gesture made of steel, rising from the landscape and marking the beginning of the new sculpture trail.
The project was made possible by the support of Merck as the main sponsor, Sparkasse Darmstadt, and private donors. The Friends Association announced plans to further expand the trail in the coming years.
“Darmstadt as a city of the arts has set a new exclamation mark here,” Bliesener summarized – and invited all citizens to discover the sculpture trail, which impressively combines art, nature and urban space.
(ARHEILGEN – by Alexander Götz)
Liveable Darmstadt
powered by MerckClubs are the heart of a community. They promote social integration and bring people together. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and engage in social projects. In short: They make a city like Darmstadt a livable place.
But that costs money. Membership fees aren't always enough. In this series, we present selected Darmstadt clubs supported by Merck – be it in sports, culture, the common good, or science education.
Each of these clubs has a unique history and contributes to strengthening the community in its own way. We asked the leaders what defines their club and how the partnership with Merck not only provides financial support but also fosters growth and development.
Learn more about the diverse nature of Darmstadt's club landscape and how Merck and its partners are working together to achieve more – for a region worth living in.
