Monument to Wilhelm Pieck

Object Description:
A reinforced concrete structure placed on a pedestal made of concrete slabs, adorned with suspended bronze reliefs depicting scenes from Wilhelm Pieck's life and socialist everyday life. In the center, two concrete blocks tower over the other elements, bearing a bronze portrait of the politician and his life dates inscribed. Atop the taller concrete column, a quote from Pieck dated October 5, 1950 reads: "WE ALL WANT / TO LIVE IN PEACE / AND EVERY NATION / HAS THE RIGHT / TO PEACE."

Background of Creation, Object History, Biography:
A controversial memorial object from the era of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) honoring Wilhelm Pieck, born in Guben and serving as the President of the GDR. The form of the concrete structure resembles an altar and can be understood as a typical socialist propaganda work. This complex architectural installation situated on the north side of the former Lenin Avenue (now: Klaus-Herrmann Street) was inaugurated in 1976 on the occasion of Wilhelm Pieck's 100th birthday. The monument, featuring Pieck alongside Clara Zetkin and Ernst Thälmann, stands as an urban and art historical testimony of the 1970s. In the autumn of 1989, the monument became a site of protests and a symbol of the local democracy movement. After the fall of the GDR, there were lengthy discussions in the city regarding whether to preserve or demolish it. Despite losing its political-ideological function, the monument retained its status as a registered monument in the Brandenburg Monument Directory. The Guben Cultural Committee advocated for its removal from the list, but the state's monument authority favored its retention. Ultimately, a decision was made to conserve the object. However, Wilhelm Pieck's person and actions remain controversial.