One of the recently installed Pumuckl sculptures on the Schanzl near Trausnitz Castle in Landshut has been vandalized and destroyed, with only the foot and base remaining intact. The statue appears to have been deliberately broken off, and there is no trace of the missing figure anywhere in the vicinity.
The vandalism occurred just days after white footprint trails began appearing throughout Landshut's old town, marking the path to Bavaria's first major exhibition dedicated to the mischievous red-haired kobold character. These footprints were designed to guide visitors through the historic city center as part of the promotional campaign for the Pumuckl exhibition.
According to Elisabeth Dirscherl's reporting, the sculpture was completely severed from its mounting, leaving behind only the character's foot attached to the stone pedestal. The main body of the Pumuckl figure has completely disappeared, suggesting this was an act of deliberate vandalism rather than accidental damage.
Despite the destruction of the artwork, both city officials and the artist behind the installation are reportedly maintaining a calm and measured response to the incident. The sculpture was part of a broader cultural initiative to celebrate the beloved children's character, who has deep connections to Bavarian folklore and German popular culture.
The Pumuckl character, known for his red hair and mischievous nature, has been a cornerstone of German children's entertainment for decades. The exhibition in Landshut represents the largest display ever dedicated to this iconic figure, making the vandalism particularly disappointing for cultural enthusiasts and tourists alike.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by public art installations, which are often vulnerable to vandalism and destruction. The city had invested in these sculptures as part of its cultural tourism strategy, hoping to attract visitors to the historic Bavarian town through its connection to the beloved character.
