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Kaiser Wilhelm Monument, Dusseldorf
The Kaiser Wilhelm Monument in Dusseldorf, a striking equestrian statue honoring Kaiser Wilhelm I, embodies Germany’s imperial pride and historical reverence for its “founder of the empire.” Planned in 1888 and inaugurated on October 18, 1896, the statue was crafted by Karl Janssen, a sculptor and professor at the Dusseldorf Art Academy, following the neo-Baroque style of historicism. Originally, the monument stood on Alleestrasse (now Heinrich-Heine-Allee) near Bolkerstrasse and Elberfelder Strasse, taking cues from Berlin’s Kaiser Wilhelm National Monument.
Relocated in 1988, it now resides on Martin-Luther-Platz, central to Dusseldorf’s Stadtmitte district, symbolically aligned with the Johanneskirche’s main portal. Here, it is accompanied by monuments to Bismarck and Moltke, Wilhelm’s contemporaries and allies, indicating their perceived status as his “paladins.” The current placement underscores Wilhelm I’s significance as King of Prussia and supreme leader of the united Protestant churches, resonating with Dusseldorf’s Evangelical Protestant community.
The statue captures Kaiser Wilhelm I dressed as a general, complete with a uniform, coat, and plumed helmet, astride a majestic horse. Bronze sculptures of the geniuses of war and peace accompany him, standing on a granite base richly adorned with cartouches, coats of arms, and emblems representing the German Empire, Prussia, and Dusseldorf itself. On the base, two bas-reliefs detail pivotal moments: the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, showing Germany oppressed by the fury of war, and the empire’s founding in 1871, symbolizing Wilhelm’s ascension as emperor. A bronze imperial eagle and a grateful inscription complete this imposing testament to Wilhelm I, set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Dusseldorf.
Relocated in 1988, it now resides on Martin-Luther-Platz, central to Dusseldorf’s Stadtmitte district, symbolically aligned with the Johanneskirche’s main portal. Here, it is accompanied by monuments to Bismarck and Moltke, Wilhelm’s contemporaries and allies, indicating their perceived status as his “paladins.” The current placement underscores Wilhelm I’s significance as King of Prussia and supreme leader of the united Protestant churches, resonating with Dusseldorf’s Evangelical Protestant community.
The statue captures Kaiser Wilhelm I dressed as a general, complete with a uniform, coat, and plumed helmet, astride a majestic horse. Bronze sculptures of the geniuses of war and peace accompany him, standing on a granite base richly adorned with cartouches, coats of arms, and emblems representing the German Empire, Prussia, and Dusseldorf itself. On the base, two bas-reliefs detail pivotal moments: the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, showing Germany oppressed by the fury of war, and the empire’s founding in 1871, symbolizing Wilhelm’s ascension as emperor. A bronze imperial eagle and a grateful inscription complete this imposing testament to Wilhelm I, set against the vibrant cultural backdrop of Dusseldorf.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dusseldorf. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Kaiser Wilhelm Monument on Map
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Sight Name: Kaiser Wilhelm Monument
Sight Location: Dusseldorf, Germany (See walking tours in Dusseldorf)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Dusseldorf, Germany (See walking tours in Dusseldorf)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Dusseldorf, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Dusseldorf
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dusseldorf is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dusseldorf's Old Beer (Altbier) Walk
Just as London has given us Porter, Dublin – Stout, Burton – the original (English) IPA, and Cologne – Kolsch, Dusseldorf has contributed to the world of beers its signature Altbier. They say, Dusseldorf and Altbier go together like onion rings and blood sausage. Curiously enough, though, this delicious, cool-fermented and malty brew, ranging in color from dark brown to copper, is not... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Rhine River Promenade Walk
The scenic Rheinuferpromenade (Rhine Promenade) is the lifeline of Dusseldorf. Currently one of the most beautiful places in the city and a very popular destination for both locals and tourists, this approximately 1.5-kilometer-long embankment was developed between 1990 and 1997 to a design by architect Niklaus Fritschi.
The project was easily one of the most successful waterfront... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The project was easily one of the most successful waterfront... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Dusseldorf Introduction Walking Tour
The area at the confluence of the Rhine and Dussel rivers was on the outskirts of the Roman Empire and settled by Germanic fishing tribes. It is from these small beginnings that the town takes its name. "Dorf" translates to "village" in English. The city of Dusseldorf has since grown far larger than that original eighth-century fishing village.
Dusseldorf was first elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Dusseldorf was first elevated... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles