# Esslingen bronze statue controversy

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/esslingen-bronze-statue-controversy
> Updated: 2026-10-20T02:00:22.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 3.

The installation of a bronze sculpture titled ‘Zwieblinger Teufel’ by artist Tim Bengel in Esslingen am Neckar has triggered significant public debate and criminal investigations. The 2.5-meter-tall figure, depicting a devil from a local legend, was unveiled to commemorate the city’s 1250th anniversary.

The monument has faced opposition via an online petition that has grown to more than 5,600 signatures from critics calling the work tasteless. This backlash has escalated into criminal activity, including the defacement of the statue with black paint.

Authorities, including the Esslingen police station and the criminal inspection unit responsible for state security crimes, are investigating various cases of insults, property damage, and threats against life and limb. This includes a specific call for the murder of Mayor Matthias Klopfer. Despite the ongoing threats and vandalism, the city administration has maintained its decision to keep the sculpture in its location in front of the town hall.

## Claims

- The city of Esslingen intends to keep the controversial bronze devil figure in front of the town hall. (reported by 6 sources)
- Police are investigating several cases of threats against life and limb. (reported by 6 sources)
- A specific murder threat was made against Mayor Matthias Klopfer. (reported by 6 sources)
- The 2.5-meter bronze figure was created by artist Tim Bengel. (reported by 6 sources)
- Authorities are investigating cases of insults and property damage related to the sculpture. (reported by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Esslingen to keep controversial bronze devil sculpture despite threats

A controversial bronze devil sculpture in Esslingen, Germany, has triggered police investigations into death threats against the mayor and property damage, though the city plans to keep the artwork.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esslingen-to-keep-controversial-bronze-devil-sculpture-despite-threats

### 2026-10-19: Esslingen police investigate threats over bronze statue

Police in Esslingen are investigating death threats against the mayor and property damage following a controversy over a new 2.5-meter bronze devil statue.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esslingen-police-investigate-threats-over-bronze-statue

### 2026-10-14: Esslingen statue sparks controversy and threats

A new devil statue in Esslingen, inspired by local legend, has triggered an online petition, vandalism, and death threats against the mayor.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/esslingen-statue-sparks-controversy-and-threats

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Cite as: Esslingen bronze statue controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/esslingen-bronze-statue-controversy