Jena: Beate Debus Sculptures at the Botanical Garden

Jena, July 13, 2026. The annual sculpture exhibition of the Jenaer Kunstverein begins today, Monday, at the Botanical Garden Jena. Until October 22, the impressive wood and bronze works by the renowned Thuringian sculptor Beate Debus will be on display amidst the historic park landscape.

The Interaction of Nature and Sculpture

The exhibition bears the programmatic title “gewachsen und gegossen”. This aptly describes the close connection between the vibrant, well-maintained vegetation of the Botanical Garden and the artist’s works. Beate Debus, who lives and works in the Thuringian Rhön, is one of the most significant sculptors in the state. Her creative process combines nature and art casting: she creates powerful sculptures from naturally grown tree trunks, which she subsequently has cast in bronze.

The works blend harmoniously into the garden setting. Whether positioned individually or arranged in groups, the sculptures enter into a direct dialogue with the trees and plants. Through dynamic, almost dance-like gestures and the striking rhythm of the lines, Debus succeeds in capturing complex emotional states and interpersonal dynamics, making them tangibly experienced.

Additional Art in Public Spaces

There are currently other significant open-air art projects to discover in Jena. Parallel to the exhibition in the Botanical Garden, for example, the exhibition “lucide” in the Frommannscher Garten showcases delicate works by Cornelia Weihe, highlighting the diversity of the local art scene this summer.

Visiting Hours and Contact Information

The exhibition can be visited daily during the regular opening hours of the Botanical Garden. The participating institutions are available for questions and further information:

🎭 Culture & City Life: The Tradition of the Sculpture Exhibition

The sculpture exhibition at the Botanical Garden Jena has a long-standing tradition. It combines the exploration of natural history with contemporary visual art in the historic ambiance of Germany’s second-oldest botanical garden. With her expressive, organic forms, Beate Debus has shaped the art landscape of Central Germany for decades and, with this exhibition, brings an important piece of Thuringian culture back to the university city.


Source:

Skulpturen im Botanischen Garten: Beate Debus – gewachsen und gegossen

Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.


Read original article in German