Kiepenkerl Denkmal (Traveling Merchant Statue), Munster
The bronze statue of a traveling merchant with a wooden stick and a pannier backpack (historically known as Kiepenkerl), located in Spiekerhof shopping street, lends its name to the whole neighborhood of Kiepenkerlviertel in the Old Town of M眉nster.
Kiepenkerle is the common term for peddlers in the Low German-speaking area (between Sauerland and Hamburg), who, in the old days, traded in salt and other goods in return for food. The name derives from the Kiepe, a wicker basket, with which the Kiepenkerle walked across the country on their business.
The original monument, made of plaster with a copper coating, was created by sculptor August Schmiemann and installed in 1896. The sculpture depicted a tradesman with his Kiepe, dressed in the typical outfit of the day: linen smock, scarf, cap, with a walking stick and a whistle.
The monument remained intact after the allied air raids on M眉nster in 1943 and was even used by the Nazi propaganda in 1944 as a symbol of stoicism, featured in a poster that said: "Nevertheless and nevertheless 鈥� Where is almost!". When the US Army invaded the city, though, the statue was destroyed by a tank.
Immediately after the war, a competition was launched to recreate the statue. The winner 鈥� sculptor Albert Mazzotti Jr. 鈥� was commissioned to cast a bronze copy true to the original. The new statue was inaugurated on September 20, 1953, by the then Federal President of West Germany, Theodor Heuss.
Another copy of the Kiepenkerl sculpture, made of stainless steel, was created by Jeff Koons in 1987. It is currently displayed at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on the National Mall in Washington, DC, USA.
Kiepenkerle is the common term for peddlers in the Low German-speaking area (between Sauerland and Hamburg), who, in the old days, traded in salt and other goods in return for food. The name derives from the Kiepe, a wicker basket, with which the Kiepenkerle walked across the country on their business.
The original monument, made of plaster with a copper coating, was created by sculptor August Schmiemann and installed in 1896. The sculpture depicted a tradesman with his Kiepe, dressed in the typical outfit of the day: linen smock, scarf, cap, with a walking stick and a whistle.
The monument remained intact after the allied air raids on M眉nster in 1943 and was even used by the Nazi propaganda in 1944 as a symbol of stoicism, featured in a poster that said: "Nevertheless and nevertheless 鈥� Where is almost!". When the US Army invaded the city, though, the statue was destroyed by a tank.
Immediately after the war, a competition was launched to recreate the statue. The winner 鈥� sculptor Albert Mazzotti Jr. 鈥� was commissioned to cast a bronze copy true to the original. The new statue was inaugurated on September 20, 1953, by the then Federal President of West Germany, Theodor Heuss.
Another copy of the Kiepenkerl sculpture, made of stainless steel, was created by Jeff Koons in 1987. It is currently displayed at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden on the National Mall in Washington, DC, USA.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Munster. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Kiepenkerl Denkmal (Traveling Merchant Statue) on Map
Sight Name: Kiepenkerl Denkmal (Traveling Merchant Statue)
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Munster, Germany (See walking tours in Munster)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Munster, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Munster
Creating your own self-guided walk in Munster is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Munster's Religious Buildings Tour
Munster, a German city steeped in history and religious significance, boasts a myriad of places of worship that have withstood the test of time. Concentrated in the Old Town, they showcase the diversity of styles fit to impress anyone interested in religious architecture.
One of the most notable landmarks is the Munster Cathedral. Also known as Saint Paulus Dom, it has retained much of its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the most notable landmarks is the Munster Cathedral. Also known as Saint Paulus Dom, it has retained much of its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Munster Introduction Walking Tour
The picturesque city of M眉nster is in Westphalia, the northwestern region of Germany. It resides along the river Aa and is situated not far from the Netherlands border. Munster's roots date back to A.D. 793, when Ludger, a Frisian missionary, was sent to the region by Charlemagne to evangelize the Saxons and found a monastery. Known as the founder of M眉nster, Ludger later became the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Munster's Historical Buildings Walking Tour
The centuries-long history of Munster, set in stone, is still very much alive. The carefully restored ancient homes, churches, and other 鈥� sometimes peculiar 鈥� pieces of architecture, abounding the city, 鈥渢ell鈥� the tales of its past rather eloquently, all the while setting a stage that makes every visit to Munster an exciting experience.
The reconstruction of the local Old Town,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The reconstruction of the local Old Town,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles