Gorgobrunnen „Medusa“

The Gorgo or Medusa Fountain stands on Henriettenplatz in Berlin’s Halensee district. It is a sculptural water feature created by Anne and Patrick Poirier and unveiled in 1987. The work takes the myth of Medusa as its theme, the only mortal among the three Gorgon sisters from ancient Greek sea deities. The fountain’s bronze Medusa head dominates a square basin about 5½ metres wide. The face rises 3½ metres high, with only eyes and nose visible above the waterline. Golden wings sprout from the brow, while living snakes coil from the hair down into the pool. A small gilded horse stands in the shallow water, recalling the winged Pegasus born from Medusa’s severed neck. At the back of the head a dark rocky surface suggests a cave. Water trickles from the eyes and mouth in narrow streams, falling into the basin below. A white granite block shows fragments of a tiny column, adding another layer of mythic reference. The whole piece turns the ancient tale into a quiet, reflective space in the heart of the city.