Hasselbach-Brunnen

The Hasselbach-Brunnen stands in Magdeburg’s southern district of Alte Neustadt, on the Haydnplatz. It was first built in 1890 on the Hasselbachplatz and moved to its present site in 1927. The fountain honours Gustav Hasselbach, mayor of Magdeburg in the late 19th century. Its design came from sculptor Karl Albert Bergmeier, who won the 1884 competition with a prize of 1,500 marks. Adolf Hartung took second place and Richard Saran third, sharing 1,000 and 500 marks respectively. The jury also bought three other entries for their artistic merit. The fountain’s style copies Roman baroque fountains, with a large round basin and stepped platform. Four allegorical figures stand around the platform: science, industry, agriculture and trade. Emil Hundrieser carved the originals, lost after the 1950s. In 1999–2000 Peter Michael and Christoph Reichenbach recreated them from old photos. A damaged obelisk and bronze portrait of Hasselbach were also restored. The base shows the city’s coat of arms, the Prussian eagle and the dedication text. Visitors find a quiet square with the restored monument at its centre. The round basin holds water, and the platform’s half-basins catch smaller jets. The bronze figures stand on tall pedestals, each holding their symbols. The obelisk rises above, its surface carved with garlands and inscriptions. The whole ensemble sits beside the Haydnplatz tram stop, surrounded by modern buildings and plane trees.