# Bildhauerei in Berlin > online database on works of visual art in public spaces in Berlin, Germany **Wikidata**: [Q111792585](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111792585) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bildhauerei-in-berlin ## Summary **Bildhauerei in Berlin (BiB)** is a specialized online database dedicated to cataloging works of visual art in public spaces throughout Berlin, Germany. Operated by the HTW Berlin and sponsored by government and cultural institutions, it serves as a digital repository for the city's public sculptural heritage. The platform was originally established in 2004 and was subsequently relaunched in April 2019. ## Key Facts * **Official Name:** Bildhauerei in Berlin * **Abbreviation:** BiB * **Entity Type:** Website, Database (Visual Arts), Organization * **Location:** Berlin, Germany * **Website:** https://bildhauerei-in-berlin.de (German language) * **Founders:** Ursel Berger and Marc Wellmann * **Operator:** HTW Berlin (University of Applied Sciences), assuming operation in 2014 * **Sponsors:** Senate Department for Culture and Europe; Research and Competence Centre Digitalisation Berlin (digiS) * **Original Inception:** 2004 (concluded in 2013) * **Relaunch Date:** April 2019 * **Primary Subject:** Public art located in Berlin ## FAQs **Who operates and funds the Bildhauerei in Berlin database?** The database is operated by HTW Berlin (specifically since 2014) and is jointly sponsored by the Senate Department for Culture and Europe and the Research and Competence Centre Digitalisation Berlin. **When was the BiB project established?** The project was originally founded in 2004 by Ursel Berger and Marc Wellmann, running until 2013. Following a period of redevelopment, the current version of the database was launched in April 2019. **What specific content is available on the platform?** The platform functions as a comprehensive database focusing strictly on works of visual art situated in public spaces within the city of Berlin. ## Why It Matters Bildhauauerei in Berlin plays a critical role in the digital preservation and democratization of cultural heritage. By consolidating information on public art—often vulnerable to environmental damage or urban development—into a centralized, accessible online database, the project ensures that the artistic history of Berlin is documented for researchers, historians, and the general public. It bridges the gap between physical public space and digital accessibility, allowing users to explore the city's visual arts landscape remotely. Furthermore, the project represents a significant collaboration between academic institutions (HTW Berlin) and government bodies (Senate Department for Culture and Europe). This structural support ensures the database is maintained with academic rigor while serving the public interest, distinguishing it as an authoritative source on Berlin's public sculptures and monuments. ## Notable For * **Specialized Scope:** It is a dedicated database specifically for visual art in public spaces, rather than a general art archive. * **Academic-Global Collaboration:** It is a notable example of a cultural project operated by a technical university (HTW Berlin) in partnership with state cultural departments. * **Digital Continuity:** The project successfully transitioned from its original 2004 version to a modernized platform in 2019, ensuring the continuity of data. * **Foundational Expertise:** Founded by recognized experts Ursel Berger and Marc Wellmann, establishing a legacy of scholarly curation. ## Body ### History and Development The initiative for Bildhauerei in Berlin began in **2004** under the leadership of founders **Ursel Berger** and **Marc Wellmann**. This initial phase of the project ran until **2013**, establishing the groundwork for documenting Berlin's extensive public art collection. Following the conclusion of the initial phase, the project entered a new era of development. In **2014**, the **HTW Berlin** (University of Applied Sciences) took over operations. This transition added a technical academic layer to the project's management. After a development period, the current iteration of the database was officially launched on **April 1, 2019**. ### Governance and Support The longevity and authority of the database are secured through its organizational structure. It is operated by **HTW Berlin**, leveraging academic resources and technical expertise. Financial and structural support is provided by two key entities: 1. The **Senate Department for Culture and Europe**, representing the city's official cultural governance. 2. The **Research and Competence Centre Digitalisation Berlin** (digiS), which facilitates the digital infrastructure required for such a database. ### Technical Platform and Accessibility Bildhauerei in Berlin is accessible to the public as a website. It functions as a structured **database** with a specific criterion used for classification: **visual arts**. The entire interface and content are presented in **German**, serving the local population and German-speaking researchers. Users can access the main repository at `https://bildhauerei-in-berlin.de`. Legal and privacy information is centralized at the URL `https://bildhauerei-in-berlin.de/impressum-und-datenschutz/`, which serves as both the **Impressum** (Legal Notice) and the **Privacy Policy** page. ### Scope and Content The core function of the entity is defined by its main subject: **public art** in **Berlin**. Unlike broader art databases that cover museum holdings or private collections, Bildhauerei in Berlin focuses exclusively on works accessible in the **public sphere**. This includes outdoor sculptures, monuments, and other visual artworks integrated into the city's urban landscape. The database organizes these works to provide a coherent view of the city's artistic geography. ## References 1. [Source](https://bildhauerei-in-berlin.de/was-ist-bib/) 2. [Source](https://bildhauerei-in-berlin.de/impressum-und-datenschutz/)