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The Emmabank in Bürgerpark: Historical monument shines in new splendor!
On August 14, 2025, the restored Emmabank will be inaugurated in Bremen's Bürgerpark, a symbol of monument preservation and climate adaptation.
The Emmabank in Bürgerpark: Historical monument shines in new splendor!
Something is happening again in Bremen's Bürgerpark: the historic Emmabank shines in new splendor after extensive restoration. This classicist park bench, which was built in 1868 in honor of Saint Countess Emma von Lesum, is once again within sight of the popular Café Emma am See. Thanks to the dedicated work of stonemason Mike Andrä as well as the support of the Citizens' Park Association, the Karin and Uwe-Hollweg Foundation and the German Foundation for Monument Protection, the Emmabank was successfully rebuilt. Weser-Kurier reports on the challenges that arose during the restoration.
A special mini crane with a lifting capacity of five tons helped with dismantling and reconstruction. Mike Andrä, who has been responsible for the care and restoration of around 30 monuments in the Bürgerpark since January 2023, is carrying out the work with an experienced team. Even though the bank is currently surrounded by construction fences and is in a construction site, the anticipation of the people of Bremen is palpable. Many inquiries about the bank show great interest in this piece of history.
History and significance of the Emmabank
The legend of Countess Emma von Lesum is now widely known. This lady is an important figure for many Bremen citizens as the patron of the Bürgerpark. In 1032, according to legend, she helped a delegation from Bremen's citizens in a dispute over pasture land by promising to give them fodder for their livestock. Even though this donation cannot be historically verified, the story led to many honors for Emma, who eventually became one of the central figures in Bürgerpark. However, all of this only happened after the citizens' funding and initiative in 1866. Today, the Bürgerpark, with its 136 hectares, is considered one of the largest green spaces in the city, a place that offers both relaxation and an invitation to take a historical journey. Monument care has exciting background stories to tell here.
Climatic changes played a role in the restoration of Emmabank. The bench had sagged due to the dryness of the subsoil, which is also due to climate change. The original foundation was only 50cm deep, but the Kathmann company deepened it to a respectable 2.80m to give the bench a stable base. This shows how important the interaction of craftsmanship and modern knowledge is in monument preservation. ICOMS emphasizes that climate change represents a constant challenge in the fight for our cultural heritage.
Finally, one can say that after the work is completed in the second week of September, the Bürgerpark will be a place where history and nature coexist harmoniously. With its immaculate condition and newly filled joints, the Emmabank is ready for the countless visitors who want to meet and linger there.