SIX INFORMATION BOARDS DESCRIBING HER LIFE AND WORK, NUREMBERG’S GARDEN CULTURE AND COMMEMORATIVE PLACES
Press article in the newspaper “Nürnberger Nachrichten", dated January 13th, page 26
FOR A NEW SITE TO COMMEMORATE MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN
To everyone who is interested in our initiative "MERIANIN 2018+ New Habitats for Insects"
We propose that the main path in the new Nägeleinpark, currently being planned on the banks of the Pegnitz (red dots), be named the Merianin-Uferweg (Merian Riverside Walk).
1: Way to Hallerwiese, the Gardens of the Hesperides and St. John’s Cemetery
2: Way to Medicinal Herb Garden, Bürgermeistergarten (Mayor's Garden) and to the Burggarten (Castle Garden)
Basic map: Stadt Nürnberg NAPL 200.90 00
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF OUR SUGGESTION
- The name "Merianin" is a perfect match to the historical heritage of our city and the increasing importance of nature and its living creatures in today’s urban space. Urban nature and urban culture must be considered together in planning civic space to ensure the best possible future for Nuremberg. This also accords with the motto of Nuremberg's application for European Capital of Culture in 2025 = “past + forward!”
- A single name for the entire riverside path with appropriate identification through a butterfly motif marked out in stones in the pavement makes orientation easier for locals and visitors. In particular, walking around the Weinstadel will turn into child's play. Indeed, in our suggestion we are thinking especially of children as "trail scouts" for the adults.
- Information boards are intended to show not only thematic, but also important spatial connections to further attractions connected with nature:
- east of the Hallertürlein (a small gate below the town wall): a signpost to the Medicinal Herb Garden, Bürgermeistergarten (Mayor's Garden) on the city wall up to the Burggarten (Castle Garden)
- beyond the Hallertürlein at the eastern edge of Hallerwiese: a signpost to Riesenschritt with its connection to the Hesperidengärten and to Johannisfriedhof (Gardens of the Hesperides and St. John’s Cemetery).
Signature: Margot and Dr. Dieter Lölhöffel, October 2019
APPROVAL BY THE CITY COUNCIL, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS IN CHARGE
As early as the first half of 2020, the Nuremberg Service Authority for Public Spaces (Servicebetrieb Öffentlicher Raum = SÖR) published a free brochure, together with the planning offices commissioned for the project. In it they informed the residents of Nuremberg about the basic principles for the redesign of the "Nägeleinsplatz" (Small Nail Square).
This part of the historic town centre is connected with the name “Nägelein” since mills were located there which for centuries produced a large variety of goods for the local population and for the export trade. However, in this context “Nägelein” does not mean “small (metal) nails”. Centuries ago, cloves and carnations – “Nelken” in German were called “Negelein” or “Nägelein” and in this historic area cloves and other spices were ground for refined cooking and baking.of the upper classes. Merian also uses the terms “Negelein” and “Nägelein” in this sense. In her First Caterpillar Book the 49th etching depicts a "Purple Negelein"; and in the Second Book of Caterpillars the 31st etching shows a "Speckled Nägelein Flower".
The new brochure (1) contains not only a declaration of intent for a future "Merianin-Uferweg" (Merian riverside walk), but, in addition, precise statements on the design of the new park in St. Sebald’s quarter in the old town based on the proposals submitted by Nuremberg residents during the consultation process.
PHOTO GALLERY OF "MERIANIN-UFERWEG" (MERIAN RIVERSIDE WALK)
Nördliches Pegnitzufer vor dem zukünftigen Merianin-Uferweg; westlicher Teil zwischen dem Weinstadel und der Stadtmauer; Herbst 2019, vor der Neugestaltung des Parks
Blick vom zukünftigen Merianin-Uferweg auf die Häuserzeile als nördliche Begrenzung; Herbst 2019, vor der Neugestaltung des Parks
Großer Parkplatz vor den Häusern im westlichen Teil, der zugunsten des Parks verkleinert werden soll; Herbst 2019, vor der Neugestaltung des Parks
Blick auf die Ufermauer, dahinter zukünftiger Merianin-Uferweg Wasserturm, Weinstadel und neuapostolische Kirche; Winter 2020/21, vor der Neugestaltung des Parks
Photos: Dieter Lölhöffel
Blick vom zukünftigen Merianin-Uferweg auf das kleine Haus mit Technik für das Flusswehr und auf die äußere Stadtmauer; Winter 2020/21, vor der Neugestaltung des Parks
Blick aus dem Park auf den großen Parkplatz, der für Blumenweisen verkleinert werden soll; Winter 2020/21, vor der Neugestaltung des Parks
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