Ulm celebrates Berblinger's 255th birthday with creativity for a good cause!

Ulm celebrates Berblinger's 255th birthday with creativity for a good cause!

In Ulm, November 11, 2025 is perceived not only as another day in the calendar, but also as a homage to the famous Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger. On the occasion of Berblinger's 255th birthday, the Ulm artist Alfonso Anzivino created 255 unique sculptures that are now being offered for sale. All proceeds from these bronze figures go to aid projects, including the renowned Card file of distress.

Before Anzivino went into action, he had planned a big celebration for Berblinger's 250th birthday. However, due to the corona pandemic, this had to be postponed for five years and was now celebrated as part of the cultural night. The sculptures, which are offered for 390 euros each, are characterized not only by their artistic significance, but also by the social responsibility behind the project: 100 euros per sculpture sold will be donated.

Community engagement

The creation of the Berblinger sculptures is a true collaborative effort. Numerous creative people and craft businesses came together to produce it. For example, KSV Natursteinwelt donated the base stones, while the investment casting company Loss forewent 90% of its remuneration. The Lohmüller polishing company also took on a large part of the production work free of charge, and the Strassacker art foundry took care of the patination. Without this great joint effort, the prices of the sculptures would be a whopping 1,600 to 1,800 euros, which shows how important solidarity is in the art scene.

Anzivino highlights the historical significance of Berblinger, who is not only known as the “Tailor of Ulm” but also designed the first stroller and the first articulated prosthetic leg. Lionel Bizien, another supporter of the project, documented the creation of the sculptures on a voluntary basis. These photos are included in a booklet that is given to buyers of the sculptures.

Creative ideas for the future

The project not only led to the creation of the bronze sculptures. Anzivino is also thinking about the future: A children's book about a bear learning to fly could appear soon - and the Berblinger sculptures could serve as a basis for developing cheaper plastic figures for tourists. These developments could not only increase the artistic value, but also boost Ulm's tourism, which would be a real bright spot for many in the region.

The Berblinger sculptures are available via an online shop, in the Anzivino studio and at the Ulm Christmas market. Orders under the keyword “Card Index of Need” are welcome in order to continue to support the social projects. Anzivino and his team show how art and community spirit can go hand in hand to accomplish a good work.