Berliner Innenstadt in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Germany — Northeast German Plain (The European Plain)
„Balanceakt“ von Stephan Balkenhol
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„Balancing Act“ by Stephan Balkenhol
Photographed by James Hulse, March 7, 2026
1. „Balanceakt“ von Stephan Balkenhol / „Balancing Act“ by Stephan Balkenhol Marker
Die Skulptur „Balanceakt“ von Stephan Balkenhol erinnert an den 50. Jahrestag der Grundsteinlegung des Axel-Springer-Hauses. Der Verleger Axel Springer errichtete es 1959 unmittelbar an der Grenze zum sowjetisch besetzten Sektor Berlins, dem späteren Verlauf der Berliner Mauer. Sein Haus wurde ein Leuchtturm des freien Westens.
An seinem Traum von der Einheit Deutschlands hielt Axel Springer gegen alle Widerstände fest. Sein unwandelbares Bekenntnis zu Freiheit und Selbstbestimmung der gesamten Nation hat dazu beigetragen, die Mauer zu überwinden.
Stephan Balkenhol schuf das Werk 2009, 20 Jahre nach dem Fall der Mauer, auf Anregung der BILD-Zeitung. Die 5,80 Meter hohe Arbeit besteht aus bemalter Bronze, Beton und Teilen der Berliner Mauer.
Stephan Balkenhol's sculpture "Balancing Act" commemorates the 50th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone for the Axel Springer Building. The publisher Axel Springer erected it in 1959 directly on the border of the Soviet occupied sector of Berlin, the later course of the Berlin Wall. His building became a lighthouse of the free West.
Axel Springer held on to his dream of a unified Germany against all opposition. His unwavering commitment to freedom and self-determination for the entire nation played a part in overcoming the Wall.
Stephan Balkenhol created his work in 2009, 20 years after the Fall of the Wall, on the suggestion of the "BILD" newspaper. The 5.80 meter high sculpture is made of painted bronze, concrete, and parts of the Berlin Wall.
Erected 2009.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
Location. 52° 30.482′ N, 13° 23.918′ E. Marker is in Berlin, in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. It is in Berliner Innenstadt. It is at the intersection of Axel-Springer-Straße and Zimmerstraße, on the left when traveling north on Axel-Springer-Straße. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Axel-Springer-Straße 65, Berlin 10117, 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: Siegbert Rotholz (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Lotte Rotholz (about 90 meters away); Außenansicht der Synagoge Lindenstraße / Exterior view of the Synagogue on Lindenstraße (about 120 meters away); Innenbereich der Synagoge Lindenstraße / Interior of the Synagogue on Lindenstraße (about 120 meters away); Zerstörte Synagoge / Destroyed Synagogue (about 120 meters away); Margarete Carlé (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Alice Carlé (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Nathan Moritz Carle (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Berlin.
Photographed by James Hulse, March 7, 2026
2. „Balanceakt“ von Stephan Balkenhol / „Balancing Act“ by Stephan Balkenhol Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, March 7, 2026
3. „Balanceakt“ von Stephan Balkenhol / „Balancing Act“ by Stephan Balkenhol Marker
The view of the marker and statue across the street.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 20, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
