City Hall exhibition features the return of the Mysterious Nail Cross sculpture
The historic Wandernagelkreuz from Coventry, a city in England heavily impacted during World War II, has found a new home in Pforzheim, Germany. The cross was officially handed over to Mayor Gert Hager on June 23, 2025, marking a significant connection between the two cities [1].
The Wandernagelkreuz, which is traditionally passed on to various locations, symbolizes reconciliation and remembrance between Coventry and German cities affected by the conflict. Its current display location within Pforzheim is not specified, but it is known to be on show in the entrance area of the New Town Hall until early April [2].
The original Nagelkreuz, carved with the words "FATHER FORGIVE" and assembled from three large carpenter's nails, stands on the altar of the new Coventry Cathedral as a symbol of forgiveness and new beginnings. In Pforzheim, there are two Nagelkreuzcenters and three Nagelkreuze, with the city having received one in 1992 [3].
The Wandernagelkreuz changes its location annually to carry the message of reconciliation to different places. In February 2023, instead of the Wandernagelkreuz, the Nagelkreuz from the Evangelical City Church was on display in the foyer of the New Town Hall [4]. The cross is used in services, worship services, religious education, and beyond, serving as a starting point for conversations and discussions [5].
The Coventry Nagelkreuz was previously on display in the New Town Hall for about two weeks before February 23rd, in a tradition that dates back to 2010 when it was given to the Nagelkreuzzentrum Pforzheim [6]. Roland Ganninger, a representative from Coventry, presented the Nagelkreuz to Mayor Peter Boch during the handover ceremony [7].
The Nagelkreuz reminds viewers of the terrible destruction that Pforzheim had to endure in the past. The worldwide network of Nagelkreuzcenters, established after the destruction of Coventry, aims to work for peace and reconciliation [8]. The Pforzheim Nagelkreuz is usually passed on to church communities and ecclesiastical institutions for one to two years [9].
For those seeking more detailed historical facts or precise placement in Pforzheim, further specialized sources or local archives may provide additional insights.
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The Wandernagelkreuz's move to Pforzheim's New Town Hall underscores a shift in the lifestyle associated with home-and-garden decor, as this symbol of reconciliation serves as a reminder of sustainable living and unity between cities affected by World War II. Both Coventry and Pforzheim have Nagelkreuzcenters embodying the values of forgiveness and new beginnings, promoting the idea of a home-and-garden space that fosters peace and harmony.
