This morning, a material sample is being taken from the Karl Marx Monument on Brückenstraße, arguably Chemnitz’s most famous landmark. This marks the first step towards an extensive restoration of the monument after more than 50 years in place.
It is currently unclear what condition the interior of the bronze sculpture is in. Although plans are available, it cannot be said with absolute certainty whether a steel framework supports the structure or whether it is held together solely by bolts, as is the case with the ‘Revolutionary Sailors’ monument in Rostock. Both monuments were produced by the same workshop in the former Soviet Union.
Before any welding work can take place on the monument, the sample must be taken today to ensure that the material of the bronze panels is not damaged when the structure is opened later. Only once the material composition of the seams and the selection of a suitable welding technique have been determined can a panel at the back of the head be removed.
The so-called access opening must be properly prepared. The past few weeks have been spent working with experts to identify the best approach for accessing and inspecting the interior. The Association for the Promotion of Welding Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology (TU Chemnitz e. V.) has been commissioned to take the sample and carry out the expert assessment.
The actual opening of the access hole is planned for August, following an evaluation of the findings. The date will be announced in good time. The opening can then be followed on a screen by interested members of the public and media representatives.
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