Bremen Town Musicians sculpture

The sculpture of the Town Musicians of Bremen

An original stop on the Riga audio-guided tour, the sculpture of the Town Musicians of Bremen hides behind St Peter's Church. It depicts the four animals of the famous Brothers Grimm tale, stacked on top of one another: a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster.

A German tale in Riga

In the tale, these four mistreated and aged animals flee their masters and decide to become musicians in Bremen. On the way, they frighten bandits by standing on each other and making noise. The bronze sculpture, by the artist Christa Baumgartel, was given in 1990 by the German city of Bremen, twinned with Riga since 1985.

What to see

The work reflects the message of the tale: these animals, though old and rejected, find success and freedom by joining forces. Installed at a pivotal moment in the region's history, it resonates with the aspiration to freedom. Tradition has it that you rub the animals' muzzles for good luck.

Practical information

The sculpture of the Town Musicians of Bremen is behind St Peter's Church, in Riga's old town. Freely accessible, it can be discovered at any time.

What does the sculpture of the Town Musicians of Bremen represent ?

The four animals of the Brothers Grimm tale: a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster stacked up.

Who gave this sculpture to Riga ?

The German city of Bremen, twinned with Riga, in 1990.