City's Pivotal Figurehead
In the heart of Münster, Germany, a whimsical scavenger hunt awaits tourists and locals alike. The city's distinctive nose signs, small, protruding bronze noses attached to various buildings, have become a popular cultural symbol and a notable part of Münster’s identity.
These noses, which began as part of a local art project in the 1990s by German sculptor Theveßen, are now around 20 in number, each with its own individual character and story. They function as a kind of urban art feature, symbolizing Münster’s quirky sense of humor and artistic spirit.
Originally, bakers, butchers, tailors, and other craft businesses were the first to use these nose signs for advertising. Over time, they have evolved to include inns and nightlife spots such as the popular "Schwarzes Schaf" and the golden elephant at the Roggenmarkt, which was a hotspot in the 70s playing music from Saturday Night Fever, jazz-rock, and reggae.
The green wreath in the signs may have originated from a folksy song created in 1821. The majority of historical inn nose signs in Münster bear this recurring green wreath. One such historical, artistically crafted nose sign can be found at the Bulte and Michaelisplatz, where a baker with a pretzel displays two identically-looking nose signs.
The preservation of these nose signs is important to both merchants and the city’s monument preservation for future generations. For instance, the black sheep sign at an unspecified location may be a remnant of the Brinckmann family, who ran a former sports shop on the Prinzipalmarkt for decades.
Josef Scheller, a guest author at ALLES MÜNSTER, writes articles about Münster’s nose signs, traditional Münster originals, and local music and composers. Some of his latest articles include "Nose signs: Characteristic feature of the city center On a discovery tour in Münster’s sign forest", "A traditional Münster original Franz Essink?", and "Music and composers know no boundaries In the shadow of the green area entertainment, we remember the Münster composer Julius Otto Grimm".
As a contemporary layer of public art, Münster’s nose signs combine humor, local identity, and an invitation to observe the city from a different, more attentive perspective. This has made them a notable and beloved part of Münster’s cultural heritage and cityscape. In many cities, shopping streets and passages are equipped with modern signboards of all colors, styles, and LED technology. Yet, it is the nose signs that truly set Münster apart.
- The nose signs in Münster, belonging to various businesses such as fashion-and-beauty salons and home-and-garden shops, have evolved over time to reflect the city's diverse lifestyle.
- The combination of food-and-drink hotspots, like the iconic "Schwarzes Schaf," and art pieces like the nose signs, contribute to Münster's unique travel experience, offering tourists a glimpse into its quirky charm.
- Relationships within Münster's community are nurtured through shared appreciation for local history, as seen in the preservation of nose signs such as the black sheep sign at the Prinzipalmarkt, which reminisces the Brinckmann family.
- Apart from the historical significance, the nose signs' modern counterparts can also be found adorning contemporary businesses, such as cars dealerships, adding a whimsical touch to Münster's cityscape.
