Year of construction: 1862
Designed by: Johann Baptist Scholl the Younger, Darmstadt court sculptor
Style: Classicism

Just 50 years after his death, Schiller had already become the classic par excellence. In 1859, however, the numerous parallel events made the celebration the largest ever held in Germany in honor of a poet. Over three days, Schiller's 100th birthday was celebrated in 440 German and 50 foreign cities with parades, monument unveilings, festive performances, and speeches. A large Schiller

celebration also took place in Mainz on this date, which is documented by extensive material in the city library. On November 1, 1859, a festive performance of Wallenstein's Camp and William Tell was given at the theater. The following evening, there was a grand festive concert.

During these festivities, the idea arose to found an association for the erection of a Schiller monument. A provisional committee met for the first time on November 14, 1859. On December 1, the committee published an appeal for the construction of the Schiller monument, asking the people of Mainz for their support. The population responded to the appeal with enthusiasm. In the following period, concerts and theater performances were held in aid of the monument, and the committee received numerous private donations.

The Darmstadt court sculptor Johann Baptist Scholl (1818-1881) was chosen to create the model for the monument. The statue was cast in Nuremberg by the company Burgschmied und Lanz, while the pedestal was constructed in Mainz by the stonemason Roßbach and the company Lauer. The statue was delivered free of charge to Mainz by the Hessian Ludwig Railway, where it arrived on October 6, 1862. The unveiling took place on Friday, October 18, 1862. The city's balconies were decorated with flags and flowers for the occasion, and shops sold Schiller merchandise. A so-called "Schiller star," a plaque commemorating the inauguration of the monument, was issued.

The celebrations for the unveiling of the monument lasted a total of three days. On October 18, there was a large parade along Große Bleiche, Rheinstraße, Fischtorstraße, Markt, and Ludwigsstraße to Schillerplatz.

The monument was initially erected at the southern end of the square. Since 1929, it has stood at the northern end.

The monument consists of a larger-than-life bronze statue of the poet and a pedestal made of Belgian marble. The pedestal is decorated with bronze plaques.

The poet stands on an ornately decorated pedestal with multiple horizontal divisions—larger than life in an idealized representation. His body language is intended to symbolize a forward-striving spirit. He holds an open book in his hand.

The bronze statue stands in one of the busiest squares in Mainz city center. Surrounded by aristocratic courtyards from the Baroque and Rococo periods, it marks the northern end of Schillerplatz. Benches around it invite visitors to linger.