In 2001 a friendship monument called The Bridge had been created by four artists from each city in Bad Königshofen’s Arlington Park. A reciprocal art project was completed by six of the same artists (three from each city) in Arlington in 2003. The 12-foot-tall stainless steel International Peace and Friendship Monument stands in downtown Arlington in Gene Allen Park, next to the Arlington Museum of Art. The monument was formally dedicated on July 12, 2003.
A fourth artist from Bad Königshofen, Fritz Toennieshen, had also been invited to participate but was not able to come to Arlington. As his contribution commemorating the friendship of the two cities, he created three mosaics and sent them to Arlington, where they are on permanent display in the Downtown Library.
Work In Progress Gallery
Photo by: Loli Kantor and City of Arlington 6-10-2003 - First day the cement was poured into the location for the monument. Construction continued this week in preparation for the arrival of three accomplished German artists who will be joining three Texas artists on the creation of a public monument that celebrates international peace and friendship. The public monument will be located in downtown Arlington in Gene Allen Park, which is adjacent to the Arlington Museum of Art and across the street from City Hall. This week, contractors are completing the foundation and basic structure for the monument. This diverse group is united by their individual reputations as accomplished artists, organizers say. This collaborative venture began in 2001 with the construction of a public monument in Germany.