Construction of the Leipzig Unity Monument is set to begin in the spring

Construction of the planned Unity Monument in Leipzig is set to begin in the spring of 2027. According to a statement from the City of Leipzig, the city council has reached an agreement on this. Five million euros have been allocated for the construction on Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. The federal government and the state of Saxony will cover 80 percent of the costs, with the City of Leipzig covering the remainder.

The Unity Monument is scheduled to be completed on the 40th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution, October 9, 2029. On October 9, 1989, approximately 70,000 people marched through the streets of Leipzig. Videos secretly filmed during the event were broadcast on West German television shortly thereafter, which is why this date is considered a pivotal moment in the reunification of East and West Germany. 

The elements of the monument are expected to have standard dimensions of 4.5 meters at the top and 3 meters at the bottom. The sculptures are thus larger than ordinary banners, flags, and signs. This is what Alexei Kolyshkov, one of the designers of the project, recently told the German Press Agency (dpa). According to the city of Leipzig, the memorial will consist of a total of 50 white sculptures.

The city council has the final say

Mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) was quoted in the press release as saying: “It’s a wonderful prospect to soon be able to stroll through the park as a place of remembrance, meet people, and exchange thoughts on history and personal experiences.”

According to the press release, the Leipzig City Council will decide on the construction and financing resolution at its meeting on December 16. Only then will the way be formally clear for the construction of the memorial.