Metalhenge, the metal-inspired structure, is drawing tourist attention in Bremen
News Article: Metalhenge - A Modern Artistic Homage to Stonehenge
In the heart of Bremen, Germany, stands a unique and captivating sculpture named "Metalhenge." This modern art installation, located on the Blockland landfill, is a tribute to the ancient monument of Stonehenge and offers a blend of industrial materials and astronomical aspects.
Design Inspired by Stonehenge
Metalhenge is an artistic homage to the famous prehistoric monument Stonehenge. The sculpture, designed by artist Thomas Roth, features 25 metal pillars arranged in a circular pattern, reminiscent of the ancient structure.
Material and Location
Constructed primarily from scrap metal and industrial steel parts, Metalhenge emphasizes recycling and transformation of waste materials. Its placement on the Blockland landfill—a site associated with disposal and environmental issues—creates a stark contrast between art, history, and modern ecological concerns.
Astronomical Alignments
Like Stonehenge, Metalhenge is designed with astronomical considerations. The arrangement of the metal components aligns with significant solar events, such as the sunrise or sunset during solstices and equinoxes. On the summer solstice, June 21, the sun sets between two pillars in the northwest of the installation, offering a special spectacle.
Symbolism and Environmental Message
By integrating recycled materials into an archaeo-astronomical form, Metalhenge symbolizes the passage of time and human interaction with nature. The installation invites reflection on sustainability, environmental impact, and the relationship between past and present.
Interactive and Educational Aspect
Visitors can track the path of celestial bodies in the sky using holes in the pillars of Metalhenge. They can also experience the shifting light and shadow play at key times of the year, providing a dynamic interaction with the sculpture and fostering awareness of astronomical events and environmental themes.
Popular Attraction
Metalhenge has become a popular attraction in the Hanseatic city. Concerts, fashion shoots, and cooking events have taken place between the pillars, adding to its allure. Popular times to visit include nights with visible events, such as the Perseids in August 2023, the partial solar eclipse in March 2025, or New Year's Eve.
Operation and Opening
The art installation is operated by "Bremen's City Cleaning" and is open 24/7. Metalhenge was officially opened on July 16, 2021, and since then, around 30,000 people have climbed the hill each year to witness this intriguing and thought-provoking installation.
Additional Features
Individual ground stones have the symbols for Mars, Venus, Earth, and Mercury engraved on them. Stones are set into the ground in the inner circle of the installation, representing distant regions, including one for the South Pole. The pillars not only mark the cardinal directions but also make celestial movements traceable.
In summary, Metalhenge combines art, recycling, and ancient astronomical symbolism into a thought-provoking installation that bridges history and ecology on Bremen’s landfill site. The "Sirius pillar" in the "Metalhenge" art installation represents the brightest star in the sky, adding another layer of intrigue to this unique attraction.
The "Sirius pillar" in the "Metalhenge" art installation, a popular attraction in Bremen, is a homage to the ancient structure of Stonehenge. This artistic blend of home-and-garden (scrap metal and industrial steel parts) and travel (representing distant regions, including the South Pole) encourages visitors to reconsider their lifestyle, promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness.
