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The Celtic World at Glauberg is the official owner of 20 Celtic prince sculptures by the artist Ottmar Hörl. The figures depict the approximately 2,500-year-old Celtic prince from Glauberg and are now permanently owned by the Celtic World at Glauberg.
The Celtic World at Glauberg is the official owner of 20 Celtic prince sculptures by the artist Ottmar Hörl. The figures depict the approximately 2,500-year-old Celtic prince from Glauberg and will now become the permanent property of the Celtic World at Glauberg. The Hessen Agentur, the service provider of the state of Hesse, is donating the works of art to the Celtic World, thereby underscoring the close connection between culture, science, and tourism in Hesse. The ceremonial handover took place today, Tuesday, at the Glauberg.
Christoph Degen, State Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture, explains: "The Celtic World at Glauberg is known far beyond Germany's borders as the home of the 'Celtic Prince of Glauberg,' and is thus a central site of our cultural heritage. It attracts numerous visitors every year and contributes significantly to strengthening cultural tourism in Hesse. The Celtic Prince sculptures are not only works of art, but also a symbol of the lively exchange between past and present. They are ambassadors of our historical heritage."
Celtic princes as cultural ambassadors
A total of 25 Celtic prince sculptures were on display in front of the Alte Oper in Frankfurt in the fall of 2018. The Hessen Agentur commissioned the sculptures from artist Ottmar Hörl as brand ambassadors for the "Culture in Hesse" campaign and sent them on their journey. With the umbrella brand "Culture in Hesse," established in 2017, the Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture aims to increase public awareness of the state-run museums, palaces, and gardens.
Dr. Rainer Waldschmidt, Managing Director of Hessen Agentur GmbH, praises the artistic dimension of the sculptures: "With his installations, Ottmar Hörl creates a unique connection between history and the present. The Celtic princes are not only a visual attraction, but also a powerful symbol of Hesse's cultural identity."
Linking art, history and tourism
The director of the Celtic World at Glauberg, Marcus Coesfeld, emphasizes the importance of not only preserving the cultural heritage but also making it accessible: "Today's donation demonstrates how closely culture, art, science, and tourism are linked in Hesse. The Celtic World at Glauberg remains a central site of cultural heritage and an important component of the 'Culture in Hesse' campaign. Thanks to such initiatives, Hesse's rich heritage is preserved and kept alive for future generations."
The finds at Glauberg are among the most significant discoveries in Iron Age archaeology and provide valuable insights into Europe's early Celtic elites. State archaeologist Professor Udo Recker says: "The statue of the Celtic prince and the rich grave goods are unique testimonies to a highly developed society whose networks extended far beyond our present-day borders."
About the Celtic world at Glauberg
The Celtic World at Glauberg is home to the Archaeological State Museum of Hesse and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Germany. With its museum, archaeological park, and research center, it conveys the history of the Celts. The site attracts thousands of visitors annually and makes an important contribution to the scientific research and cultural dissemination of Europe's Celtic heritage. The 30th anniversary of the sensational discovery of the Celtic prince will take place in 2026. Numerous events are planned to mark this anniversary.
Photo: © HMWK