"Ohrenweide – The Whispering Garden" is an art installation of willows and footbridges in Eisleben. As part of the Luther Trail, it invites visitors to hear Martin Luther’s words.
The project was realized in 2008 as part of an artistic design competition and has since closed a previously unsightly gap in the landscape. The newly designed site is located very close to Luther's birthplace and is part of the Luther Trail, which traces the stages of the reformer's life in Eisleben. The whispering garden is a beautifully designed ensemble of eared willows, which gave the place its name, and footbridges that lead through it. A total of ten ear trumpets have been integrated almost inconspicuously along the circular path. Texts and quotes by Martin Luther can be heard from them, all of which fit in with the main theme of the garden: "Luther and the German language".
Every two hours, the acoustic production of several minutes starts anew, with the garden forming a green oasis in the middle of the city. It invites visitors to stroll along the paths and absorb Luther's words. Visitors who do not speak German can also enjoy this station on the Luther Trail, as the quotes are also presented in English. "Ohrenweide - The Whispering Garden" is an experience for all the senses: in addition to hearing, the garden's surroundings can also be explored with the eyes, nose and hands. The project was realized in 2008 as part of an artistic design competition and has since closed a previously unsightly gap between buildings. The newly designed area is located very close to Luther's birthplace and is part of the Luther Trail, which traces the stages of the reformer's life in Eisleben.
Every two hours, the acoustic production of several minutes starts anew, with the garden forming a green oasis in the middle of the city. It invites visitors to stroll along the paths and absorb Luther's words. Visitors who do not speak German can also enjoy this station on the Luther Trail, as the quotes are also presented in English. "Ohrenweide - The Whispering Garden" is an experience for all the senses: in addition to hearing, the garden's surroundings can also be explored with the eyes, nose and hands. The project was realized in 2008 as part of an artistic design competition and has since closed a previously unsightly gap between buildings. The newly designed area is located very close to Luther's birthplace and is part of the Luther Trail, which traces the stages of the reformer's life in Eisleben.