Hans-Jürgen Breuste | Memorial Court Prison

The sculpture by Hans-Jürgen Breuste (born in 1933 in Hanover) serves as a memorial to the courthouse prison where numerous opponents of National Socialism were incarcerated. Beginning in the mid-1980s, a “group of supporters” initially called for the installation of a commemorative plaque and later for the erection of a memorial. As early as 1985, the artist was commissioned to create a design, followed by lengthy discussions regarding approval, location, and, above all, the wording of the plaque. Although initially only Ernst Thälmann was to be named as the most prominent prisoner, the plaque ultimately contains extensive information. The memorial stands as an important landmark in an urban setting that poses architectural challenges. It was financed through a fundraising campaign in which former prisoners also participated. Other works in Hanover (selection): “Bogside ‘69” on Kleine Packhofstraße. Location: Lister Meile/Berliner Allee