Molecule Man water statue on the Spree in Berlin-Treptow

by Silva Wischeropp

The unique water statue "Molecule Man" by Jonathan Borofsky was designed for this location not far from the Treptower and rises 30 metres high from the water of the Spree.
The sculpture near the impressive Oberbaumbrücke marks the intersection between two districts: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Treptow-Köpenick.

The Molecule Man is a Berlin monumental artwork created in May 1999 by American sculptor Jonathan Borofsky. It is a three-person sculpture that was placed in the Spree River between Elsenbrücke and Oberbaumbrücke near the intersection of the three districts of Kreuzberg, Alt-Treptow and Friedrichshain.
Borofsky had made his first molecule sculptures in 1977/78, which had been set up in Los Angeles. He was fascinated by the high symbolic power of such figures, which are riddled with holes and symbolise the molecules they are made of.

"The sculpture is meant to remind us that both humans and molecules exist in a world of probability, and that the goal of all creative and spiritual traditions is to find wholeness and unity within the world." - Jonathan Borofsky

The site of the installation of the triple figure was chosen at the meeting point of the three previously independent Berlin districts of Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Treptow.
At the same time, it is a junction of the reunited West and East Berlin.
It is three 30-metre (100-foot) high human figures made of weatherproof, perforated aluminium plates that face each other and meet in the middle. The double symbolism exists because of the meeting of the districts, but also because of the union of molecules of all human beings, which is necessary for the survival of humanity. Today, three districts and two boroughs meet at the site. The work of art weighs about 45 tonnes.