Mendelssohn Monument, Leipzig
The Mendelssohn Monument in Leipzig is located in front of the western portal of Saint Thomas's Church, a spot often referred to as the Mendelssohn Portal due to the monument's presence. This monument honors Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, the renowned composer, former Leipzig Gewandhaus Kapellmeister, and founder of the local Conservatorium of Music. The current statue is a detailed replica of the original, which stood outside the second Gewandhaus, also known as the New Concert Hall (Neues Concerthaus), from 1892 until it was destroyed by the Nazis in 1936 due to Mendelssohn's Jewish heritage.
Erected in 2008, the 2.8-meter bronze statue stands on a stepped granite base. The upper part of the base is made from red Meissner granite, and the lower two steps are crafted from gray granite, making the total height of the monument 6.8 meters. Mendelssohn is depicted with a piano roll in his left hand and a baton in his right, standing in front of a music desk, reflecting his role as the first modern musical conductor.
At Mendelssohn's feet, the muse of music, Euterpe, sits on the steps, leaning on a lyre, accompanied by two pairs of angels: one pair singing and the other playing the flute and violin. The front of the pedestal bears Mendelssohn's name, while the back is inscribed with the phrase, "Nobleness can only be expressed through the language of music." The sides of the pedestal feature symbols of music: a bronze medallion with an organ on the left symbolizes sacred music, and on the right, masks, a vase with a dance scene, flutes, and a sword represent secular music.
The monument's location in the garden outside Saint Thomas's Church is particularly symbolic, as Mendelssohn conducted and played organ concerts there.
Erected in 2008, the 2.8-meter bronze statue stands on a stepped granite base. The upper part of the base is made from red Meissner granite, and the lower two steps are crafted from gray granite, making the total height of the monument 6.8 meters. Mendelssohn is depicted with a piano roll in his left hand and a baton in his right, standing in front of a music desk, reflecting his role as the first modern musical conductor.
At Mendelssohn's feet, the muse of music, Euterpe, sits on the steps, leaning on a lyre, accompanied by two pairs of angels: one pair singing and the other playing the flute and violin. The front of the pedestal bears Mendelssohn's name, while the back is inscribed with the phrase, "Nobleness can only be expressed through the language of music." The sides of the pedestal feature symbols of music: a bronze medallion with an organ on the left symbolizes sacred music, and on the right, masks, a vase with a dance scene, flutes, and a sword represent secular music.
The monument's location in the garden outside Saint Thomas's Church is particularly symbolic, as Mendelssohn conducted and played organ concerts there.
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Mendelssohn Monument on Map
Sight Name: Mendelssohn Monument
Sight Location: Leipzig, Germany (See walking tours in Leipzig)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Leipzig, Germany (See walking tours in Leipzig)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Leipzig, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Leipzig
Creating your own self-guided walk in Leipzig 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.
A Walk on the Leipzig Music Trail
The spatial density of historic locations associated with music in Leipzig is truly mind-boggling. But then again, this is hardly surprising, given the eclectic score of musicians who had left their mark on the city in various years.
Indeed, it was in Leipzig that Johann Sebastian Bach served as an organist and choirmaster at Thomaskirche as well as a cantor at Nikolaikirche; composer Robert... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Indeed, it was in Leipzig that Johann Sebastian Bach served as an organist and choirmaster at Thomaskirche as well as a cantor at Nikolaikirche; composer Robert... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Leipzig Architectural Jewels
Anyone who has ever wanted to delve into Leipzig's history could hardly imagine doing so without exploring the local array of architectural jewels. Indeed, Leipzig boasts one of Germany's most beautiful collections of Renaissance buildings.
Our first point of interest lies in downtown Leipzig at the intersection of Katherine and Bruhl Streets. Here, the stunning Baroque-style Romanus... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Our first point of interest lies in downtown Leipzig at the intersection of Katherine and Bruhl Streets. Here, the stunning Baroque-style Romanus... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Leipzig Introduction Walking Tour
The name "Leipzig" may be derived from the Slavic word "Lipsk", meaning "linden trees place." The Nazi government renamed the city "Reichsmessestadt Leipzig" ("Reich Fair Trade City Leipzig"). In 1989, with the fall of communism, the city was "Hero City" - in recognition of the role that the Monday demonstrations there played in the fall... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles