On Thursday, Mayor Dennis Weilmann accepted the bust together with museum director Monika Kiekenap-Wilhelm. Margret Köhler's children were also present.

"I am very pleased," said Lord Mayor Weilmann, "that this outstanding personality from the city's history is being remembered in a fitting place and in an impressive way."

The bronze bust is now on display in the city museum together with information about Volkmar Köhler's life and the artist Kurt Harald Isenstein. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 12 noon to 6 pm.

A piece of Wolfsburg history

Volkmar Köhler was Lord Mayor in 1972 - the year in which Wolfsburg became a major city following the incorporation of the city. During his time in local politics, he was particularly committed to art and culture. He was later a member of the Bundestag and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The bust was created in 1978 when Köhler sat for the artist Kurt Harald Isenstein in Copenhagen. Until today, the work has never been on public display - now it has found its permanent place in the City Museum.

The artist: Kurt Harald Isenstein

Like Köhler, Isenstein came from Hanover and was a friend of the family. In 1933, he was persecuted by the National Socialists and imprisoned for a time. He later emigrated to Denmark and continued to work there and in Sweden as a portraitist and art teacher. He was also active in Wolfsburg: in 1970 he led a seminar at the adult education center.

Shortly before his death in 1980, the city acquired his natural stone sculpture "Give me the ball" at the suggestion of Volkmar Köhler. It shows two children fighting over a ball. The original is in the hospital, a bronze cast can be seen at St. Peter's Church in Vorsfelde.

With the new bust in the city museum, another chapter of our city's history will become visible - and the memory of a person who shaped Wolfsburg for many years will be kept alive.