Waters flowing again

The iconic fountains on Geschwister-Scholl-Platz and Professor-Huber-Platz have been enclosed in scaffolding for nearly a year. Now, after extensive restoration work conducted in close consultation with the Bavarian State Agency for the Preservation of Monuments, their waters are flowing once again.

Structurally and technically, the two fountains were in a desolate state and were covered in limescale. Limescale had accumulated not only in the pipes, but also on the turquoise-green outer coating. The work of restoration began in April 2023 as water jets were used to clean the monuments. After that, dilapidated elements were restored and the whole of the fountain technology was brought up to date. The lighting system, too, was modernized.

Fountains nearly 200 years old

The two cascading fountains were built between 1840 and 1844 in accordance with blueprints designed by architect Friedrich von Gärtner. Their origins can be traced back to a wish expressed by King Ludwig I of Bavaria, who, in the mid-19th century, was intensively involved in planning and building the university.

The king originally wanted to have an obelisk erected on a round or oval space in the middle of the road. Deliberations then shifted toward a central fountain. Ultimately, von Gärtner persuaded Ludwig I that it made more sense from an urban development perspective to set up a pair of fountains on two recessed angular spaces, one on either side of the road. The final version we see today is adapted from the fountains on St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

More information on this topic

Waters run dry: Renovation of LMU fountains

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