Monument to Friedrich Wilhelm von Reden

The Friedrich Wilhelm von Reden Monument, known as the Redendenkmal, is located in Chorzów, Poland, and is the work of Theodor Erdmann Kalide. The monument depicts the Prussian statesman who contributed significantly to the development of Upper Silesian industry, particularly mining and metallurgy. Unveiled on August 29, 1853, on Reden Hill (now Liberation Hill), it was originally situated in Królewska Huta (now Chorzów). Its creation was supported by the King of Prussia, Frederick William IV, who provided funds for its execution. The history of the monument is turbulent; it was destroyed in 1939, and after restoration in 1940, it was unveiled again, only to be damaged once more in 1945. Between 2002 and 2003, the monument was reconstructed and relocated to Hutników Square, where it was officially unveiled. Architecturally, the original monument was made of bronze and stood on a marble pedestal, which has since been replaced by a new pedestal made of shell limestone. The inscriptions on the new monument reflect both its history and the controversies surrounding its presence in public space. It is worth noting that the original head of the destroyed statue survived and is now displayed at the Metallurgy Museum in Chorzów. An interesting aspect is not only the complex fate of the monument but also the social context of its reconstruction, which involved various communities and sparked debates over its restoration in the urban landscape. The monument serves as a symbol reflecting not only the history of the region but also the complex relations between Poles and Germans, making it a significant element of local identity and historical memory.