For 300 years, the Neue Brunnen has been a landmark on Neubrunnenplatz in the Große Bleiche neighborhood. To mark the anniversary, Mayor Nino Haase and Environmental Affairs Commissioner Janina Steinkrüger paid tribute to the late Baroque structure during a small ceremony. For its anniversary, the fountain was adorned with custom-made floral arrangements in the colors of the state capital, Mainz.

To vividly convey the fountain’s history and significance, the city administration also created a roll-up banner with information on its symbolism, history, and technical specifications. It also features a floor plan from 1726 and a historical view of the fountain from around 1840, with the former Metternich Court in the background. Thanks to a partnership with the “Hof zum Gutenberg” Casino Association, the roll-up display will remain visible from the outside in the building’s entrance area until the end of the year.

“The New Fountain has been a part of Mainz’s city history for 300 years and is an eye-catching landmark on Große Bleiche,” said Mayor Nino Haase. “By celebrating this anniversary, we are bringing the history of this special structure to light while also honoring the importance of historic sites for our city’s identity.”

“Fountains enrich our public spaces, enhance the quality of life, and can help cool us down, especially on hot days. In this way, they also play a role in adapting to climate change,” said Janina Steinkrüger, Head of the Environment Department. “I am therefore delighted that the New Fountain has been restored and that we are preserving this significant structure for the people of Mainz. Our goal is to preserve historic fountains while also making them living spaces that people can experience in public areas.”

A Fountain with an Eventful History

The New Fountain was built in 1726 by Johannes Weydt out of red sandstone as a flowing fountain. The river gods of the Rhine and Main were sculpted by Mathias Hiernle, and the lions by Josef Scholl. The fountain’s construction was made possible by Elector Lothar Franz von Schönborn in connection with the aqueduct built between 1724 and 1728, which supplied water to the residential area of the three Bleichen.

Originally, the two river gods faced parallel to the Große Bleiche. Instead of the current lion figures, there were initially two nymphs. The obelisk was crowned with a gilded electoral hat. The reliefs on the sides of the fountain depict symbols of good governance, as well as the arts and sciences, war, trade, and shipping.

After the end of electoral rule in Mainz, the French had the electoral crown removed and the elector’s coat of arms chiseled off on May 29, 1798. Four inscription plaques were affixed to the sides. On the occasion of Napoleon’s visit in 1806, these were removed again and replaced with a marble plaque, which disappeared in 1814.

During a restoration in 1828, the two nymphs were replaced by lions. Another renovation took place in 1877. During this renovation, the text of the original dedication plaque was reinstalled; in addition, the river gods and lions swapped places.

In 1963, the original figures of the river gods were replaced with copies. The originals were moved to the National Museum. Further renovations followed in 2002 and 2013, during which, among other things, new LED underwater lights were installed.

Renovation for the Anniversary

Another project is planned for the 300th anniversary: Because water has leaked from the basin in recent years, it must be completely resealed. The cost of the renovation amounts to approximately 12,000 euros.