A large concrete word sculpture celebrating Kamenz's 800th anniversary has officially become a permanent fixture in the German city after the city council unanimously voted to preserve the popular Instagram destination. The three-dimensional lettering installation, which reads "800 Jahre Kamenz" (800 Years Kamenz), has been drawing crowds of photographers and social media users since its installation in June 2023 near the iconic Red Tower on Pulsnitzer Street.
The approximately six-and-a-half-foot-tall concrete letters have transformed into an unexpected symbol of the city's milestone anniversary celebration this year. Originally installed as a temporary commemoration of Kamenz's founding, the sculpture has generated significant viral attention through social media posts, successfully drawing attention to both the city and its historic anniversary celebration, according to the council's official resolution.
City councilman Jens Krüger, whose residence is located directly adjacent to the sculpture, has witnessed firsthand the installation's popularity among visitors. "I have seen very many visitors who use the motif for photographing," Krüger explained, noting that other cities also feature location-specific photo opportunities that are particularly popular with tourists for capturing and posting images. "Why not also in Kamenz?" he questioned, advocating for the sculpture's permanent status.
Initially, city councilman Alex Theile from the "Miteinander für Kamenz" (Together for Kamenz) party expressed skepticism regarding the sculpture's preservation beyond the anniversary year. However, his perspective shifted after observing similar installations during his travels. "On vacation, I then saw that such special motifs can also be a hotspot for Instagram users," Theile revealed. Ultimately, all city council members voted in favor of retaining the word sculpture permanently.
The sculpture's construction demonstrates practical durability that supports long-term preservation. The foundations consist of concrete plates laid directly on the ground, while the letters and numbers are formed with OSB (oriented strand board) panels that have been treated with weather-resistant coating and securely bolted together. City officials estimate that maintenance costs will remain manageable, projecting expenses between 500 and 1,500 euros for necessary preservation and optimization measures to ensure the installation's medium-term security.
Mayor Roland Dantz, who serves as an independent official, highlighted an additional symbolic element that supports the sculpture's permanent installation. He pointed out that the number "8" in the anniversary date resembles an infinity symbol when the "800" lies horizontally, suggesting the timeless nature of the commemoration. "It speaks nothing against leaving it standing beyond the anniversary year," Dantz stated, emphasizing the installation's value for city marketing and enhancing Kamenz's broader recognition and visibility.
