50 years of Nanas

The unveiling of the three voluptuous Nanas by artist Niki de Saint Phalle sparked a veritable storm of protest in Hanover in 1974. On January 14, 2024, Sophie, Charlotte, and Caroline—the names of the three “curvy ladies”—will turn 50. The term “Nana” comes from French and describes the modern, self-confident woman. As early as the 1960s, Niki de Saint Phalle embraced the ideas of the women’s movement with the slogan “All power to the Nanas!” To this day, Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures remain a symbol of femininity and feminism.

On March 8, International Women’s Day, and on March 9, the city of Hannover will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Nanas am Leineufer with a festival.

Since the mid-1970s, sweeping curves and vibrant colors have defined the Leibnizufer, thanks to the three Nanas, named after Electress Sophie, Charlotte Buff, and Caroline Herschel. Rather than fading into obscurity, this artistic controversy sparked a passionate debate—unprecedented at the time—about the significance and placement of art in public spaces. The outcome was a happy ending: Hannover has long since taken the three ladies to its heart, and in 2000, the artist Niki de Saint Phalle was named the city’s first and, to date, only honorary citizen.

Since the 1970s, art in public spaces has been a defining feature of Hannover as a city of culture. The state capital is home to more than 180 works by renowned artists, including international giants such as Alexander Calder, Niki de Saint Phalle, and Daniel Knorr, as well as regional figures like Kurt Lehmann, Emil Cimiotti, and Siegfried Neuenhausen.