Friedensengel, E 6
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Angel of Peace, E 6

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Kulturdenkmal / Cultural Monument

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Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2026

1. Friedensengel, E 6 / Angel of Peace, E 6 Marker

Der Friedensengel wird im städtischen Auftrag von dem Bildhauer Gerhard Marcks (1889–1981) als Mahnmal für die Toten der Jahre 1933 bis 1945 geschaffen. Der Oberbürgermeister Hermann Heimerich (1885–1963) will damit für die Mannheimer Bevölkerung im Quadrat B 4 einen Ort öffentlicher Trauer und gemeinschaftlichen Gedenkens schaffen. Das Denkmal soll zur Versöhnung der in der Frage des Umgangs mit der Vergangenheit gespaltenen Nation beitragen. So knüpft auch die Einweihung am 16. November 1952 in Anwesenheit von Bundeskanzler Konrad Adenauer (1876–1967) an die Volkstrauertage der zwanziger Jahre an, die später von den Nationalsozialisten zu „Heldengedenktagen“ umfunktioniert wurden. Nach dem 2. Weltkrieg engagieren sich namhafte demokratische Kommunalpolitiker für eine Erneuerung der ursprünglichen Tradition. Die Plastik wird im Mai 1983 von ihrem prominenteren Standort in B 4 im Schatten der Jesuitenkirche nach E 6 versetzt.

Entwurfszeichnung zur Aufstellung in B 4.

Bundeskanzler Konrad Adenauer bei der Einweihung des Friedensengels, 1952.

Demontage des Friedensengels in B 4, 1983.

Der Friedensengel und die Jesuitenkirche in einer künstlerischen Fotografie von Robert Häusser, um 1960.

© Stadtarchiv Mannheim Institut Für Stadtgeschichte
Weiterführende Informationen: www.mannheim.de

(English Translation)
The Angel of Peace was created by sculptor Gerhard Marcks (1889–1981) on behalf of the city as a memorial to those who died between 1933 and 1945. Mayor Hermann Heimerich (1885–1963) wanted to create a place in square B 4 where Mannheim’s residents could mourn publicly and remember together. The monument was intended to promote reconciliation within a nation divided over how to address its past. Its dedication on November 16, 1952, attended by Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer

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(1876–1967), recalled the national days of mourning observed during the 1920s. The National Socialists later transformed these observances into “Heroes’ Memorial Days.” After World War II, prominent democratic municipal politicians worked to restore the original tradition. In May 1983, the sculpture was moved from its more prominent location in B 4, near the Jesuit Church, to E 6.

Design drawing for the monument’s installation in B 4.

Federal Chancellor Konrad Adenauer at the dedication of the Angel of Peace, 1952.

Dismantling of the Angel of Peace in B 4, 1983.

The Angel of Peace and the Jesuit Church in an artistic photograph by Robert Häusser, around 1960.

Further information: www.mannheim.de
 
Erected by Stadtpunkte Mannheimer Geschichte Vor Ort and Stadt Mannheim.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1983.
 
Location. 49° 29.393′ N, 8° 27.744′ E. Marker is in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg. It is in E6. It is at the intersection of E6 and Fressgasse, on the left when traveling north on E6. Touch for map. Marker is

Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2026

2. Friedensengel, E 6 / Angel of Peace, E 6 Marker

at or near this postal address: E6 5, Mannheim BW 68159, Germany. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the German Upper Rhine. Globally, 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, the Holy Roman Empire, and the former West Germany.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Katholisches Bürgerhospital, E 6, 1 / Catholic Citizens’ Hospital, E 6, 1 (here, next to this marker); Gedenken an die Mannheimer Sinti / In Memory of Mannheim’s Sinti (a few steps from this marker); Sozialer Wohnungsbau im Quadrat F 5 / Social Housing in Square F 5 (within shouting distance of this marker); Goethe-Zitat über Mannheim / Goethe Quotation About Mannheim (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Börse E 4, 14-16 / Stock Exchange E 4, 14-16 (about 120 meters away); Städtisches Leihamt D 4, 9-10 / Municipal Loan Office D 4, 9-10 (about 120 meters away); Veteranendenkmal / Veterans Memorial (about 150 meters away); Trinitatiskirche, G 4 / Trinity Church, G 4

Photographed by James Hulse, September 16, 2026

3. Angel of Peace statue on the Bürgerhospitalkirche Mannheim church grounds

(about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mannheim.
 
More about this marker. There is a non-related marker separately attached on the other side of the post.

 

 
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on September 21, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.