Hanau in Main-Kinzig-Kreis, Hesse, Germany — Central Europe
„Lauschet den Gassen“
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“Listen to the Streets”
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 26, 2024
1. „Lauschet den Gassen“ / “Listen to the Streets” Marker
Eine Wandgestaltung von Marcel Walldorf und Ronald Schrodt von Hanau Radau
1785/1786 wurden Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm am Paradeplatz 3 (heute Freiheitsplatz) geboren. Wenig später zog die Familie in die Lange Gasse 41. Auch ihre Tante Schlemmer, die ihnen Lesen und Schreiben beibrachte, wohnte nicht weit entfernt: in der Fahrstraße 11. Somit war das Straßenkreuz Fahrstraße / Langstraße zur Kindheit der berühmten Brüder Grimm Dreh- und Angelpunkt. Hier spielten sie, besuchten ihre Verwandtschaft und lauschten den Hanauer Bürgern bei ihren Erzählungen.
Vor allem das Hörensagen war den späteren Märchensammlern ein großer Fundus. Sie ließen sich die volkstümlichen Erzählungen berichten, bearbeiteten sie und brachten sie als Kinder- und Hausmärchen 1812 erstmals heraus. Ihre Märchensammlung ist nach der Bibel das weltweit am meist übersetzte Werk geworden.
Die Wandgestaltung am Behringer-Eck stellt ein Märchenbuch dar, so als stünde es greifbar im heimischen Bücherregal. Unter dem Motto „Die schönsten Geschichten schreibt das Leben" wird der Entstehungsprozess der Grimm'schen Märchen thematisiert.
Durch den Ausdruck und die zur Straße gewandte Körperhaltung der Brüder Jacob
this page online
“Listen to the streets”
Wall art by Marcel Walldorf and Ronald Schrodt from Hanau Radau
In 1785-86, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born at Paradeplatz 3 (today Freiheitsplatz). A little later, the family moved to Lange Gasse 41. Their Aunt Schlemmer, who taught them to read and write, also lived not far away: at Fahrstraße 11. Thus, the Fahrstraße/Langstraße intersection was the focal point of the famous Brothers Grimm's childhood. Here they played, visited their relatives and listened to the Hanau citizens tell their stories.
Hearsay was a particularly valuable resource for the later fairy tale collectors. They
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 26, 2024
2. „Lauschet den Gassen“ / “Listen to the Streets” Marker - wide view
The marker is visible here just to the left of the leftmost green-framed display window.
The wall design at Behringer-Eck depicts a fairy tale book, as if it were within reach on the bookshelf at home. The motto "Life writes the most beautiful stories" is used to address the process by which the Grimm fairy tales are created.
The expression and the posture of the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm facing the street describe the perception and processing of their influences. Wilhelm, portrayed in a listening pose, seems to absorb the hustle and bustle of the street. Jacob, with a creative air and his gaze wandering into the distance, puts the stories together in his mind. The symbolic animals are depicted using the origami folding technique - a reminiscence of the internationality of the fairy tales and Hanau's Japanese twin city: Tottori. They originate from the Grimms' notebook and define their bodies. Just as the impressions written down on paper are read and create images, the fairy tale animals are given volume and new life. From bottom to top we recognize: fish, owl, rabbit, cat, rooster, horse, sparrow, swan, wolf, donkey, eagle, cat, fox.
Erected 2012 by Stadt Hanau, Familie Reinhard Hühn.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, May 26, 2024
3. „Lauschet den Gassen“ / “Listen to the Streets” wall art
Location. 50° 8.031′ N, 8° 55.07′ E. Marker is in Hanau, Hessen (Hesse), in Main-Kinzig-Kreis. It is at the intersection of Langstraße and Fahrstrasse, on the right when traveling east on Langstraße. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Langstraße 37, Hanau HE 63450, 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: Wohnhaus von Georg Cornicelius / Residence of Georg Cornicelius (a few steps from this marker); Wohnhaus der Tante Schlemmer / Residence of Auntie Schlemmer (within shouting distance of this marker); Geburtshaus von Ludwig Emil Grimm / Birthplace of Ludwig Emil Grimm (within shouting distance of this marker); Geburtshaus der Brüder Grimm / Birthplace of the Brothers Grimm (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Schießscharte der Altstadtbefestigung / Old town fortress embrasure (about 90 meters away); Fundament der Bastion / Foundation of the Bastion (about 90 meters away); Vogelschau auf Hanau / Bird’s-eye view of Hanau (about 90 meters away); Wohnhaus von Friedrich Rückert / Residence of Friedrich Rückert (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hanau.
Also see . . . Brothers Grimm (Britannica). Overview:
The Brothers Grimm were two German folklorists(Submitted on January 8, 2025.)and linguists who are today best known for their Kinder- und Hausmärchen (1812–22). This collection of stories, called Grimm’s Fairy Tales in the English-speaking world, led to the modern study of folklore. They were among the most important German scholars of their time.19284. Marker photo: residence/shop at the corner of Langstrasse and Fahrgasse…As it would have appeared to the Brothers Grimm. Like much of central Hanau, it was destroyed in the bombing attack of March 19, 1945.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 89 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 7, 2025, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
