Analysing the history of the Mehringplatz (former Belle-Alliance-Platz) the artist Bonger Voges developed the urban space concept THE ORACLE OF BERLIN. The project is a worldwide unique installation in public space.
Since 1999 the non profit association is responsible for the project.

The aim is to create a place of individual experience with international charisma. An accessible total work of art which playfully encourages communication : a place to linger, to relax and to reflect.

Formerly known as The Belle-Alliance square, The Mehringplatz used to be in the same prestigious league as the Pariser Platz at the Brandenburg Gate and the Leipziger/Potsdamer Platz as little as sixty years ago.
The proximity of the Berlin Wall was however responsible for the Square’s loss in significance.
Now, since the fall of the Wall it has begun to grow in importance again.

Two world traditions were the inspiration for THE ORACLE OF BERLIN: on the one hand the “Oracle of Delphi” for the name, on the other hand the “Book of transformations – I Ging”, by Konfuzius, the oldest book about the art of communication. The “I Ging” delivered the idea of communication.

By combining these two traditions the Oracle of Berlin builds a global cultural bridge from East to West, from Asia to Europe.

A ring of colours on the inner side of the low level round concrete basins (Ø 182m) invite the visitor to chose a colour according to the call by the plaques with the game rules.

"Ask yourself a question that cannot be answered with a simple Yes or No.
Make your way to the colour that attracts you most at that moment and 2,500 years of ancient wisdom will answer your questions."

This is the explanation of the game that welcomes the visitor on explanatory ground plaques of 1 sqm in various languages at the entrance areas of the Mehringplatz (Hallesches Tor/Mehringplatz and pedestrian area Friedrichstraße).

While concentrating on his question the visitor approaches to the chosen colour.
To every colour one text and motiv from the I Ging (panel of answer) is attached, which provides inspiration, advice and answer.

In the context of the installation the historical fountain in the middle of the square of will be perceived as fountain of of fortune. It will be the “Fontana di Trevi” of Berlin".
Around the fountain a ring of directories will be installed in the ground, which will indicate the directions to the surrounding cultural facilities.

In a later period of the project realisation the installation of “wind panels” on the roofs of the rondel is scheduled.

Near to the explanatory plaques the visitor meets the “Panels of nations” with the life philosophies of known personalities from different nations. They form the PATH OF VISIONARIES.

Whereas the PATH OF VISIONARIES gives examples and encouragements for everyones personal way in political and social terms the ORACLE OF BERLIN provides self-reference and the digestion of inspiration and experiences. It offers the possibility to playfully develop solutions and answers.


More detailed information about the art venture and the history of the site is available at the exhibition:
“The Berlin Oracle and the Path of Visionaries "
Kunstwelt e.V. Berlin npo. – Friedrichstraße 4 - 10969 Berlin
Tel:+49/ (30) 252 94 677, Fax: +49/ (30) 252 94 688
Underground Hallesches Tor, Opening Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am. – 5pm. Free Entry

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