Sculpture -- Old and New

Today, we took the funicular up to the Schloss (castle) which are really some ruins and gardens and mostly views back down to the city of Heidelberg.

We asked for a map and were told to just wander around to find things -- not that helpful.  So after asking two more people, we finally found the attractions beyond the gardens:  giant wine barrel and apothecary museum.  A little random, but actually pretty interesting.

Aesculpias, Greek god of medicine

of course, a crocodile is perfect decor for a pharmacy

Aspirin was invented in Germany, so there was a lot in the pharmacy museum about Bayer aspirin.

An interesting part of the museum explained the evolution of the pharmacy signs in Germany.  In 1930, a sign based on Bauhaus design became the choice as the uniform sign for all pharmacies.  The idea was a reminder to take your medicine three times a day.

The Nazis decided to change the sign because they disliked the modern style.  Their chosen design was based on German rune, an ancient alphabet with a mystical basis (favored by Hitler).

Post- WW2, the design was altered again to the one in current use which retains the same A letter but adds a snake and chalice emblem.

So, as a counterpoint to the historic architecture and pharmaceutical lore, we went to a modern art show called Echoes by Heide Hinrichs, a young German artist.  A little underwhelming as much modern art is, but here are two photos that show the contrast of what we saw today.

So, old sculpture

Hercules on the castle walls -- love the six pack!

and new sculpture

snakes or swans made out of washcloths

Another part of the exhibit we turned into performance art when we realized shadows came through on the other side of the screen showing this photo.

We loved Heidelberg's laid back pace, delicious ice cream, cafes which each served their own brand of beer, and pool (described here).  Tomorrow, we're off to Munster!