Zweibrücken fountain is renamed after its Jewish founder!

Zweibrücken fountain is renamed after its Jewish founder!

A significant renaming is scheduled for spring 2026 in Zweibrücken: the King Ludwig Fountain on Hallplatz will from now on bear the name Fritz Gugenheim. This was recently published by city press spokesman Jens John. Gugenheim, a Jewish merchant who grew up in the city and later became wealthy in Berlin, is honored posthumously. Interestingly, many citizens only know the fountain as the “Hallplatz Fountain” and not by its original name. The renaming is part of a housewarming ceremony organized by the city to allow descendants of the Gugenheim family in Britain to take part in the celebrations.

The city council decided to rename the building back in April, a step that not only pays homage to Gugenheim, but also makes an important contribution to the culture of remembrance. At the inauguration, a memorial plaque will be erected commemorating the life and work of Fritz Gugenheim. He was later dispossessed by the Nazis, which underlines the tragedy of his story. The fountain itself was ceremoniously inaugurated on June 14, 1914 and has been a cultural attraction in the city ever since.

A symbol of remembrance

By renaming the fountain, the city is setting an example for tolerance and remembrance. Fritz Gugenheim's fate symbolizes not only the expulsion of Jews during the Nazi era, but also the city's awareness of its own history. The plaque to be unveiled as part of the celebrations will provide a place of remembrance and encourage people not to forget the past.

The city of Zweibrücken's commitment shows that engaging with local history is not only necessary, but also possible. The celebrations above Hallplatz, which will take place next spring, promise to be an emotional and meaningful occasion for everyone involved.

If you would like to find out more about the historical background and significance of the fountain, you can find out more on the Komoot website, which lists numerous highlights of this region. A short walk to Hallplatz could not only serve as a refreshment, but could also be an important way to engage with the history of the city and its personalities. Further information can be found on Komoot.

The anticipation for the celebrations is already palpable, and the city hopes for active participation from citizens and Fritz Gugenheim's descendants in order to give this special moment a worthy setting. It remains to be seen how the diverse population of Zweibrücken will react to this change.