The bronze statue of the Bremen Town Musicians (Bremen Stadtmusikanten) depicts the characters in a much-loved Brothers Grimm story and is a highlight of the square fronting the Bremen City Hall. Admire the skillful sculpting of the artist Gerhard Marcks and find out the story behind one of Bremen’s landmark monuments.
As you stroll around the square admiring the varied historic architecture and grand buildings, you won’t be able to miss the comical bronze figure of a rooster, a cat, a dog and a donkey standing on top of one another. The statue was erected in 1953 and represents a fairytale that is close to the heart of Bremen’s townspeople.
Ask about the story of the Bremen Town Musicians, an uplifting tale of four animals that leave their homes and mistreating masters to find a new life as musicians in Bremen. Along the way, the animals come across a cottage full of robbers enjoying their spoils. The rooster, cat, dog and donkey manage to frighten the crooks away and make their home in the cottage for the rest of their days. Despite the characters never reaching Bremen to fulfill their dreams of becoming town musicians, the tale has long been a cherished part of the identity of the city.
You might notice people walking up to the bronze statue and rubbing its base. Kids will love joining in on this Bremen tradition, which involves rubbing the hooves of the donkey to make your wishes come true. The donkey’s legs have been polished to a golden shine because of this charming practice. Take a photo with the statue to remember your visit to the city.
The Bremen Town Musicians statue stands alongside the Bremen City Hall (Bremen Rathaus) and numerous other landmarks in the city’s Old Town. While in the area, check out the Bremen Roland Statue and the Bremen Cathedral. The Bremen Town Musicians statue is free to visit at any time of year.
