Inauguration of the Freedom and Unity Monument
A striking new monument, the Freedom and Unity Seesaw, will soon take its place in front of Berlin’s Humboldt Forum. Designed by artist Ronald Rael, it honours the peaceful revolution of 1989 and Germany’s reunification. The large-scale installation invites visitors to climb aboard and work together to set it in motion.
The monument was originally set to open on German Unity Day in 2022. However, delays pushed back the inauguration, and a new date has yet to be confirmed. Officials now expect the seesaw to debut in 2027, though details about the planned festivities remain unclear.
Unlike traditional statues, this piece is interactive. Shaped like a giant seesaw, it can hold hundreds of people at once. When visitors balance their weight, the structure rocks gently, creating a shared experience of movement and cooperation. Renowned choreographer Sasha Waltz contributed to the monument’s design concept. Her input helped shape its dynamic, participatory nature. The project aims to symbolise unity—not just as a historical event, but as an ongoing, collective effort.
The Freedom and Unity Seesaw will stand as a physical reminder of 1989’s peaceful protests and the country’s reunification. Once complete, it will offer both a playful and meaningful space for reflection. The monument’s success will depend on visitors working together to bring it to life.
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