On Unter den Linden in Berlin, this 13.5-metre bronze monument portrays Frederick II of Prussia on horseback. Look closely at the tall pedestal: its reliefs include scenes from Frederick’s life and figures from his reign, among them generals, statesmen, artists and scientists. Created by Christian Daniel Rauch between 1839 and 1851, the statue was moved during the East German period before returning to its original site in 1980. It is free to view and accessible to wheelchair users, so it makes an easy stop while walking through Mitte.
Frederick II on Unter den Linden
The monument honours Frederick II of Prussia, often called Frederick the Great. The bronze king sits on horseback in military clothing, with a cloak and a tricorne hat. Decorations are visible on his uniform. The statue and pedestal together reach 13.5 metres, giving the sculpture a strong presence along Unter den Linden.
Christian Daniel Rauch created the work from 1839 to 1851. Its style is associated with the Berlin school of sculpture and the shift from Neoclassicism towards Realism. The monument was commissioned by King Friedrich Wilhelm III, Frederick II’s great-nephew. Its completion in 1851 came after Frederick’s death.
Figures and reliefs on the pedestal
The pedestal is nearly eight metres high and carries two bands of sculpture. Around it, figures in full relief portray notable people from Frederick’s reign, including military leaders, statesmen, artists and scientists. The reliefs also show scenes connected with the king’s life, while representations of cardinal virtues form part of the sculpted programme.
Take a slow look around the base instead of focusing only on the bronze rider. The carved figures and scenes give the monument much of its detail. From across the boulevard, you can take in its scale; crossing to the monument gives you a closer view of the relief work.
A monument moved and returned
The statue’s location changed during the 20th century. During the Second World War, the monument was enclosed in concrete to protect it from bombing. After the war, the site fell within East Berlin. The East German government dismantled the statue in 1950, and it was reassembled in Sanssouci Park in 1963.
In 1980, the monument returned to its original position on Unter den Linden. Today it stands on the boulevard in Mitte, near Bebelplatz, the Staatsbibliothek and Humboldt University. The site is open to view around the clock and costs nothing to visit. Its entrance and seating are wheelchair accessible.
Häufige Fragen
Is the Frederick the Great statue free to visit?
Yes. The monument is free to view.
How long should I spend at the statue?
Allow around 15 to 30 minutes to view the equestrian figure and the reliefs on the pedestal.
Is the monument wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The site has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating.
Where is the statue in Berlin?
It stands on Unter den Linden in Mitte, near Bebelplatz, the Staatsbibliothek and Humboldt University.
