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On the occasion of International Day of the Sea

From June 7 to September 17, 2025, Deutsche Bahn will present the monumental artwork Die Welle (The Wave) by Berlin sculptor Iris Schieferstein at Berlin's Ostbahnhof station.


The expansive sculpture consists of over 10,000 oyster shells, which the artist collected over a period of more than a year and shaped into a sculptural object with an impressive presence.

Die Welle addresses the fragile balance between the beauty of the oceans and the growing ecological threats they face.

It symbolizes the urgency of a sustainable and responsible use of our planet's natural resources.

The presentation in the foyer of Ostbahnhof (area: approx. 20 m²) is part of Deutsche Bahn's cultural commitment and invites travelers and visitors alike to pause in the midst of their everyday lives and reflect on issues of ecological balance.


About the artist:


Iris Schieferstein (1966–2024) was a German sculptor whose work attracted international attention. She became known for her provocative works made from organic materials – in particular animal carcasses, which she obtained exclusively from animals that had already died. Schieferstein studied sculpture at the Berlin-Weißensee School of Art. Her works are an artistic commentary on the human perception of life, transience, and nature.