Celebrating the Litfaßsäule

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Hamburg-based guest artists Rocket & Wink, celebrates the Litfaßsäule. These iconic advertising pillars were named after the man who first suggested them, Ernst Litfaß (pronounced Lit-fass). On this date in 1855, to the fanfare of a live orchestra, Berlin’s very first Litfaßsäule was dedicated at the intersection of Münzstraße and what is today Almstadtstraße. 

Before the creation of Litfaßsäule, Berlin had a problem with advertisements—they were scattered all over the city, from walls to fences and everywhere in between. The widespread clutter irked Litfaß, and so the clever printer and publisher proposed these dedicated advertising pillars to be placed on Berlin’s busiest corners and plazas as a more organized alternative. 

The city agreed to commission 150 pillars as an official system for paid advertisements, and before long the columns were lined cleanly with eye-catching notices for cultural institutions like theaters and dance halls.  The unusual, three-meter-tall fixtures were met with huge popularity among Berlin’s residents. Over the decades, the Litfaßsäule came to serve as a symbol of Berlin, and booklovers may even recognize one from the famous cover of Erich Kästner's 1929 children’s book “Emil and the Detectives.” 

Today, there are over 50,000 Litfaßsäule—many like those depicted in the Doodle artwork—in use throughout Germany, and they still serve as a popular and practical advertising channel for local events and small organizations. While many of Berlin’s original pillars have since been removed or replaced by newer models, it’s clear that the Litfaßsäule continue to hold a special place in the hearts of the city’s residents.  

Danke to all the Litfaßsäulen that have helped make Berlin such a special place!

Guest Artist Q&A with Rocket & Wink

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Hamburg-based guest artists and advertising pioneers Rocket & Wink. Below, they share their thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:
 

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally?

A: Our main area of expertise is print. We love printed posters, with the variety of motifs that come together on advertising columns (Litfaßsäule).
 

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A: The urban variety of colors was important to us, and we absolutely wanted to incorporate them into the Doodle.