Quadrate in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany — Central Europe
Wasserturm
⎯⎯⎯
Water Tower
Photographed by James Hulse, February 20, 2024
1. Wasserturm / Water Tower Marker
Der 1889 fertiggestellte Turm gilt als Wahrzeichen der Stadt und steht seit 1987 unter Denkmalschutz. Der Entwurf stammt von dem jungen Gustav Halmhuber, der 1885 den eigens ausgeschriebenen Wettbewerb gewinnt. Hinter den Mauern des repräsentativen Gebäudes verbirgt sich in rund 30 m Höhe ein Druckausgleichsbehälter von 2000 m³ als Herzstück der zentralen Wasserversorgung für die Stadt. Deren Planung und Bauleitung liegt seit 1882 bei dem aus Österreich stammenden Ingenieur Oskar Smreker (1854-1935). Der neobarocke Monumentalbau bringt in den äußeren Formen den Stolz des erfolgreichen Bürgertums der Zeit um 1900 zum Ausdruck. Pläne, den im 2. Weltkrieg stark beschädigten Turm völlig neu zu gestalten, rufen heftige Proteste hervor. Dabei zeigt sich, wie sehr sich die Mannheimer mit ihrem Wasserturm identifizieren. So gibt der Gemeinderat 1962 die Rekonstruktion in Auftrag. 1974 wird die Wasserversorgung zu einer Aufgabe der neugegründeten MVV. © Stadtarchiv Mannheim Institut Für Stadtgeschichte
Diese Tafel wurde gestiftet von: MVV Energie
Bildunterschriften
(Foto
this page online
(Foto Nr. 2) Der ursprüngliche Wettbewerbsentwurf wird beim Bau in einigen Punkten geändert. Die Bildornamentik und der Figurenschmuck wie die bekrönende Göttin Amphitrite, Gattin des Meeresgottes Poseidon, gemahnen ans das Wasser als Leben spendendes Element und Grundlage von Schifffahrt und Handel.
(Foto Nr. 3) Der Wasserturm im Bau, 1888. Mit rund 400 000 Mark wird er doppelt so teuer als ursprünglich veranschlagt. Zu der Kostensteigerung tragen die Natursteinverkleidung des Ziegelmauerwerks und der bildhauerische Schmuck bei.
The tower, completed in 1889, is considered a landmark of the city and has been a listed building since 1987. The design was created by the young Gustav Halmhuber, who won the competition held specifically for the project in 1885. Behind the walls of the representative building, at a height of around 30 m, is a 2000 m³ pressure equalization tank, the heart of the city's central water supply. The planning and construction management of the tank has been the responsibility of the Austrian engineer Oskar Smreker
Photographed by James Hulse, February 20, 2024
2. The view of the Wasserturm / Water Tower Marker along the street
This plaque was donated by: MVV Energie
Captions
(Photo #1) The architect and painter Gustav Halmhuber (1862-1936), who came from Stuttgart, worked on the construction of the Reichstag in Berlin from 1886 and planned the Siegesallee there in 1896. His main architectural work was the expansion of the town hall in Hanover from 1909 to 1913.
(Photo #2) The original competition design was changed in some points during construction. The image ornamentation and the figural decoration, such as the crowning goddess Amphitrite, wife of the sea god Poseidon, are reminiscent of water as a life-giving element and the basis of shipping and trade.
(Photo #3) The water tower under construction, 1888. At around 400,000 marks, it was twice as expensive as originally estimated. The natural stone cladding of the brickwork and the sculptural decoration contributed to the
Photographed by James Hulse, February 20, 2024
3. The view of the Wasserturm / Water Tower from the street
Erected by Stadtpunkte Mannheimer Geschichte Vor Ort and Stadt Mannheim.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 49° 29.08′ N, 8° 28.506′ E. Marker is in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg. It is in Quadrate. It is on Friedrichsring just south of Friedrichsplatz. The marker is located northwest of the Wasserturm (Water Tower). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: P7 16, Mannheim BW 68161, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Friedrichsplatz (here, next to this marker); Mannheimer Wasserturm / Mannheim Water Tower (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Rosengarten / Rose Garden (about 150 meters away); The First Automobile / Das Erste Automobil (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Oststadt, Christuskirche / East Town, Christ Church (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Höhere Bürgerschule N6, 4a / Higher Citizens School N6, 4a (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Rheinische Ingenieurschule / Rhineland Engineering School (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Strohmarkt und Planken / Straw Market and Planks (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mannheim.
More about this marker. There is a non-related marker separately attached
Photographed by James Hulse, February 20, 2024
4. The base of the Wasserturm / Water Tower
Photographed by James Hulse, February 20, 2024
5. Closeup of drinking fountain at Wasserturm / Water Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 532 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
