Heinzelmännchen fountain
Maybe they do exist after all
The Heinzelmännchen Fountain is one of Cologne’s best known landmarks and stands directly opposite the FRÜH am Dom brewhouse. It was created between 1897 and 1900 by architect Heinrich Renard and his father, sculptor Edmund Renard. The fountain was commissioned by the Cologne Beautification Association to mark the 100th birthday of August Kopisch. The poet and painter August Kopisch helped make the story of the Heinzelmännchen famous far beyond Cologne through his well known poem. According to the legend, the Heinzelmännchen were hardworking little house spirits who secretly completed the work of Cologne’s citizens during the night. One night, however, they were discovered and disappeared forever. The fountain brings this story to life. At the top stands the tailor’s wife holding a lantern, while below her the discovered Heinzelmännchen tumble down the stairs. A ribbon bears the famous line: “Neugierig war des Schneiders Weib”, meaning “The tailor’s wife was curious.” Reliefs showing the different trades of the Heinzelmännchen are carved into the surrounding sandstone walls. On the back of the fountain, an owl sits on a book with a magnifying glass, symbolising wisdom and the work of August Kopisch. In 2018, the fountain was extensively restored with financial support from Cölner Hofbräu FRÜH.
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Heinzelmännchen fountain
Maybe they do exist after all
The Heinzelmännchen Fountain is one of Cologne’s best known landmarks and stands directly opposite the FRÜH am Dom brewhouse. It was created between 1897 and 1900 by architect Heinrich Renard and his father, sculptor Edmund Renard. The fountain was commissioned by the Cologne Beautification Association to mark the 100th birthday of August Kopisch. The poet and painter August Kopisch helped make the story of the Heinzelmännchen famous far beyond Cologne through his well known poem. According to the legend, the Heinzelmännchen were hardworking little house spirits who secretly completed the work of Cologne’s citizens during the night. One night, however, they were discovered and disappeared forever. The fountain brings this story to life. At the top stands the tailor’s wife holding a lantern, while below her the discovered Heinzelmännchen tumble down the stairs. A ribbon bears the famous line: “Neugierig war des Schneiders Weib”, meaning “The tailor’s wife was curious.” Reliefs showing the different trades of the Heinzelmännchen are carved into the surrounding sandstone walls. On the back of the fountain, an owl sits on a book with a magnifying glass, symbolising wisdom and the work of August Kopisch. In 2018, the fountain was extensively restored with financial support from Cölner Hofbräu FRÜH.
