Way of Human Rights
The history of the "Way of Human Rights" goes back to the year 1988, when a jury of twelve had to decide on the artistic design for the Kartäusergasse in the context of the extension to the Germanische Nationalmuseum. One of the four design concepts submitted immediately convinced the jury: Dani Karavan's "Way of Human Rights" comprising 27 white pillars of 8 m height, two slabs in the ground, a cypress oak tree and an arch, was intended to create an inviting connecting structure between Kornmarkt and the city walls. After several years of planning and construction, Karavan was able to present his work of art to the public in a moving ceremony on October 24, 1993.
Precisely 20 years later, on 24 October 2013, an affecting ceremony was held in the Germanische Nationalmuseum, with the artist, Dani Karavan, present. This event acknowledged that Dani Karavan with his "Way of Human Rights" has given an important impetus to the City of Nuremberg's human rights activities, an impetus whose impact will continue to be evident in the future.
In addition to the ceremonial act, there was a series of events and an educational program. The offers ranged from lectures and guided tours on children's theater to participative actions.
The Message
The installation's convincing statement is not limited to its aesthetic impression alone, it also lies in the message it transports. Each of the elements is inscribed with the short form of one of the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in German and one other language. The "Way of Human Rights" is both an indictment of the crimes against humanity committed by the National Socialists and an admonition carved in stone to all people reminding them that human rights are still violated in many states all over the world.
The Importance of this Work of Art for the City of Nuremberg
The row of pillars and its creator have achieved what a work of art can achieve in the best possible case: The "Way of Human Rights" has set a new spiritual, political and social accent in Nuremberg, formerly the city of the National Socialist racial laws and of the Nazi party rallies, but also venue of the International Military Tribunal, the starting point of international criminal law. The open-air installation, apart from its high aesthetic quality, has major symbolic value and has thus inspired numerous human rights activities in Nuremberg. The inauguration ceremony for the "Way of Human Rights", for example, also marked the birth of the Nuremberg International Human Rights Award: In his speech, Dr. Peter Schönlein, then Lord Mayor, promised that the City of Nuremberg would understand Dani Karavan's installation as a continual challenge to contribute actively to world-wide respect for human rights and announced the founding of this award. As a jury member for the Human Rights Award and frequent guest in Nuremberg, Dani Karavan has since been accompanying the city's human rights activities.