The City of Stuttgart's Department of Art in Public Spaces (KiöR) has cleaned, relocated, restored and re-signposted the artworks.
After the artworks by Horst Kuhnert (*1939), Wolfgang Thiel (*1951) and Barbara Haim (*1954), the sculpture by the important Stuttgart sculptor Gerlinde Beck (*1930-†2006) was also restored in the early summer of 2025. The "Botnang pilot project" was thus successfully completed in time for the 950th anniversary of the district. The experience gained will serve as a model for similar projects in the city.
Marc Gegenfurtner, Head of the Department of Culture, says: "The restoration and cleaning of Botnang's artworks began in 2023. In view of the large number of urban artworks in public spaces, the works that have become damaged, corroded and faded over the years need to be systematically repaired. Thanks to the funding of the KiöR department by the municipal council, this major task can still be completed by the end of the year."
Close cooperation between offices and artists
The Department of Culture works closely with the artists for the restorations - including the relocation and renovation of the sculpture "P.P.L. - Mädchen mit großem Kragen" by Wolfgang Thiel: the location of the work at the Belauweiher pond is currently being rearranged. The steel sculpture has been moved towards the town center. This was taken as an opportunity in 2024 to restore the sculpture together with the artist and redesign the work based on its original concept.
Restorations and relocations always require close coordination between the Department of Culture, the City Planning Department, the Civil Engineering Department, the Garden, Cemetery and Forestry Department, the Public Order Department and the district office involved.
Botnang district leader Mina Smakaj emphasizes: "The renovation of Wolfgang Thiel's sculpture is an example of how urban redevelopment projects and restorations in which districts, authorities and artists work together can successfully complement each other. The cooperation here has been exemplary. We are proud to be able to set a visible example for art and community."
Every relocation and restoration of a work of art also requires communication to the public: as part of the restoration work, the four works of art were fitted with new signs. QR codes now lead directly to further information on the city's website, which places the works in their historical and current context - a key aspect in providing access and safeguarding the cultural heritage for future generations.
Local commitment to contemporary art
Magdalen Pirzer, head of the cultural promotion department, says: "With a great deal of commitment and expertise, the team from the KiöR department in Botnang has shown how restoration, mediation and revitalization can succeed in the long term in collaboration with artists and administration."
But Botnang is not just about 20th century art: in the fall of 2025, the district will be enriched by a contemporary work of art. The new bronze sculpture "The Washerwoman" by Birgit Feil will then be ceremoniously unveiled on Botnang's market square. It honors the history of washerwomen up to the 19th century. The work was initiated by the Kultur 70195 association and financed by donations and the district budget - a successful example of how local commitment makes contemporary art possible and keeps historical heritage alive.
