Bad Waldsee has welcomed a new addition to its public art collection with the official installation of a bronze sculpture titled 'Toward New Horizons' by artist Richard W. Allgaier. The artwork was formally presented to the city on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, and is now permanently positioned in front of the New City Hall facing the city lake (Stadtsee).

The bronze sculpture measures approximately 103 centimeters in length, 65 centimeters in height, and 59 centimeters in width. Crafted in the shape of a boat, the artwork carries profound symbolic meaning representing departure, community, and the search for direction – values that have connected people across centuries. The strategic placement of the sculpture was deliberately chosen, as its open design harmoniously integrates with the surrounding environment while its orientation toward the water symbolically points toward the future.

During the handover ceremony, Mayor Matthias Henne praised the artistic achievement and its special significance for Bad Waldsee, stating: 'This work is more than an art object. It is a sign of departure that invites both citizens and visitors to pause and reflect.' Deputy Mayor Monika Ludy also expressed gratitude to Richard W. Allgaier for his commitment and for enriching the city's cultural landscape.

The artist himself elaborated on the concept behind his sculpture, explaining that the boat serves as a metaphor for human life – full of movement, sometimes uncertainty, but always carried by hope and the shared journey toward a better future. With the handover to the city, Allgaier noted that the responsibility now passes to everyone to bring the work to life through their engagement with it.

The installation was made possible through collaborative funding efforts. City leadership specifically thanked District Administrator Harald Sievers for facilitating an OEW donation of 4,000 euros that helped finance the project. This contribution demonstrates the broader community support for enhancing Bad Waldsee's public art offerings.

With 'Toward New Horizons,' Bad Waldsee has made an impressive statement supporting public art, community unity, and the city's readiness to continually embark on new paths toward the future. The sculpture now stands as both an artistic landmark and a source of inspiration for residents and visitors alike, encouraging contemplation about shared journeys and collective aspirations.