Meret-Oppenheim-Brunnen (Meret Oppenheim Fountain), Bern

The Meret Oppenheim Fountain, located on the Waisenhausplatz in Bern, stands as a striking symbol of creativity and controversy. Created by the renowned artist Meret Oppenheim and inaugurated in 1983, this fountain is not merely a functional structure but a profound artistic statement.

At a towering height of eight meters, the fountain commands attention with its unique design. A central concrete pillar serves as the focal point, from which water gracefully flows down in a spiral pattern, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Illuminated by a light installation at the top, the fountain exudes an ethereal quality, especially during the evening hours.

What truly sets the Meret Oppenheim Fountain apart is its dynamic relationship with nature. Over the years, the concrete column has become a canvas for life to thrive. In summer, a lush carpet of moss and wild grasses envelops the structure, transforming it into a verdant spectacle reminiscent of a colossal green monster. As winter sets in, the fountain undergoes another metamorphosis, with ice clinging to its surface like a delicate cocoon, evoking the imagery of a butterfly in hibernation.

Oppenheim envisioned the fountain as a testament to nature’s transformation and vitality, an evolving symbol of life that changes with the seasons. Its installation sparked a heated debate among Bern residents, some of whom dismissed it as resembling an exhaust pipe. Despite these criticisms, the Meret Oppenheim Fountain remains a unique landmark and artistic embodiment of nature’s beauty, life, and growth.