Exploring Berlin's Best Bronze Foundries

Berlin, a city brimming with artistic energy, is home to some of the finest bronze foundries in Europe. These spaces, where molten metal meets artistry, are not just workshops—they are places where dreams take shape and where the collaboration between artist and craftsman is elevated to a fine art. If you’re looking to cast a bronze sculpture in Berlin, let me guide you through the best foundries in the city, each offering its unique approach, character, and level of expertise.

Here is a list of foundries to cast your sculpture in bronze:

1. Kunstgiesserei Altglienicke: Tradition Meets Excellence

Nestled in the heart of Altglienicke, Kunstgiesserei Altglienicke stands out as a traditional foundry for its unparalleled attention to detail and dedication to quality. They’ve been behind some iconic works, such as the Kuppelbekrönung of the Humboldt Forum, Jonathan Monk’s “Motoradcover”, and my very own edition of the “Hand Fragment” and “At The Edge”.

What sets Kunstgiesserei Altglienicke apart is their meticulous work on wax models, ensuring every detail of the original piece is captured with precision. Their two kilns accommodate life-size sculptures, and their team of patination experts creates a stunning range of surface finishes. My collaboration with them on the "Hand Fragment" edition showcased this: their expertise in patinations brought a variety of finishes to life, allowing the sculpture to embody the depth I envisioned.

For artists working on larger or high-quality commissions, this foundry is an unmatched partner. Their professionalism and commitment to the artist’s vision make them my go-to choice. While not the cheapest option in Berlin, their exceptional price-performance ratio ensures you get extraordinary results.

2. Panther ART Foundry: The Student-Friendly Gem

Located in Weißensee, Panther ART Foundry is a smaller but mighty player in Berlin’s casting scene. Perfect for students from the nearby Kunsthochschule Berlin Weißensee, this foundry offers affordable prices without compromising quality.

Despite its size, Panther ART Foundry can handle larger pieces and is an excellent choice for those on a budget. It’s a welcoming space for emerging artists who want to experiment and bring their ideas to life.

3. Knaak: Dynamic and Stylish

In the industrial charm of Oberschöneweide’s Umspannwerk, Knaak Foundry breathes fresh air into the traditional art of bronze casting. With a youthful energy and a Berlin-style attitude, this foundry combines industrial romance with artistic innovation.

Their specialty lies in their beautiful variety of patinations, which can give your sculpture a unique character. Knaak is an ideal partner for artists who seek a balance between quality craftsmanship and an edgy, modern aesthetic.

4. Bildgießerei Hermann Noack: The Premium Standard

For those seeking a premium, time-honored experience, Bildgießerei Hermann Noack is the epitome of tradition and excellence. Renowned for casting works by celebrated artists like Käthe Kollwitz, Henry Moore and Anselm Kiefer, this foundry operates at the highest professional level.

Their workflow is seamless, their expertise unmatched, and their results breathtaking. Naturally, this level of craftsmanship comes with a higher price tag, but for those who want their work to stand alongside the greats, it’s worth every cent.

Finding the Right Partner

Each of these foundries brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re seeking affordability, innovation, or world-class craftsmanship, Berlin’s foundries offer options for every artist. Ultimately, the choice comes down to finding the team you feel most comfortable working with—a team that understands your vision and brings their expertise to shape it into reality.

Berlin’s vibrant foundry scene ensures that the ancient art of bronze casting thrives in the modern era. Wherever you decide to cast your sculpture, rest assured that you’re in one of the best cities in the world to bring your artistic vision to life.

Where to cast a sculpture in Berlin?