Near the institute of Hygiene, in Marburg (Pilgrimstein 2), you can find this bust of Emil von Behring, unveiled in 19401. It was built to honour his research achievements (particularly serum therapy for diphtheria and tetanus), on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Behring’s serum therapy discoveries.
It stands at a prominent corner (Pilgrimstein/Deutschhausstraße) and symbolises both Behring’s personal link to Marburg and Marburg’s heritage in medical research. The inscription on the bust reads “DEM GROSSEN ARZT UND FORSCHER BEHRING 1854‑1917” (meaning: “To the great doctor and researcher Behring 1854-1917”).
During the Third Reich, the regime celebrated and exploited great German scientists to promote the idea of an “Aryan” cultural and scientific superiority. Behring’s busts, placed in universities, medical institutions, and public spaces, were part of this celebratory policy.
The bust is considered part of the third station of the Behring’s route.
- Photos by Luca Borghi ti.supmacinu|ihgrob.l#| (July 2025) and page layout by Beatrice Inserra ti.supmacla|arresni.ecirtaeb#| (December 2025)
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