Centennial Celebration of Bauhaus Dessau: Notable Design School Buildings mark its Anniversary
In the heart of Germany lies the city of Dessau, a testament to the enduring influence of the Bauhaus design school. Established in 1919 by Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus movement advocated for a modernist philosophy that unified art, craft, and technology, emphasising functionality, simplicity, and economy of means.
This year, Dessau is celebrating the centenary of the Bauhaus with a series of exhibitions and events that reflect both the original architectural intent and the ongoing cultural significance of the Bauhaus school and its buildings. Institutions such as the Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau are hosting key events, including exhibitions focusing on the Bauhaus' themes of standardization, systems, and technological innovation.
One of the highlights of the centenary celebrations is the Bauhaus Festival, taking place from September 4th to 9th. The festival features a reinterpretation of Oskar Schlemmer's material dances and the premiere of "Voices of Bauhaus." Visitors can also explore various exhibitions that delve into the use of materials like glass, concrete, and metal during the Bauhaus period.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in the Bauhaus experience, the Bauhaus Atelier building, also known as the Preller house, offers authentic Bauhaus accommodation. Rooms start at 65 euros per night, providing a unique opportunity to sleep where the Bauhauslers once did.
The Bauhaus buildings bicycle tour is a 22-kilometer journey that connects several buildings still bearing witness to this productive period. The tour, signposted and marked in city maps available at the tourist information office, begins at the Bauhaus building and leads through Georgium Park to the Kornhaus, an event building with a restaurant designed by a Bauhausler.
Along the way, visitors can admire the Bauhaus buildings' geometric forms and minimalist design, such as the Atelierhaus, where guests can overnight in some reenacted rooms. The tour also takes in the Master Houses, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, which were designed especially for the professors, including Lyonel Feininger, Oskar Schlemmer, Wassily Kandinsky, and Paul Klee.
For a deeper understanding of the Bauhaus's arrival in Dessau before the Bauhaus Building and Master's Houses were constructed, visitors can embark on the digital tour "Invisible Bauhaus Dessau." This tour guides visitors to mostly invisible locations that played a crucial role in the school's history.
The Törten settlement, a research project for Walter Gropius, is another must-visit. Here, visitors can see the House Anton, built during the Bauhaus period, featuring original steel window frames and a wood-burning stove, but lacking a gas heater.
The tourist information office in Ratsgasse rents out bikes for a fee for the tour, making it an accessible and enjoyable way to explore Dessau's Bauhaus heritage. Bicycles can be rented for 11 or 27.50 euros per day.
The Bauhaus buildings in Dessau serve as a reminder of the school's groundbreaking contributions to modernism, from furniture design to industrial housing construction. The centenary celebrations offer a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the Bauhaus's enduring influence on art, design, and architecture.
[1] Bauhaus Dessau Foundation. (n.d.). Bauhaus Dessau. Retrieved from https://www.bauhaus-dessau.de/en/
[2] Bauhaus Museum Dessau. (n.d.). Bauhaus Museum Dessau. Retrieved from https://www.bauhaus-museum-dessau.de/en/
[3] Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau. (n.d.). Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau. Retrieved from https://www.stiftung-bauhaus-dessau.de/en/
[4] Bauhaus Centenary. (n.d.). Bauhaus Centenary. Retrieved from https://www.bauhaus100.de/en/
[5] Bauhaus 100. (n.d.). Bauhaus 100. Retrieved from https://www.bauhaus100.de/en/
This year, Dessau is celebrating the Bauhaus centenary with a series of exhibitions and events that reflect the school's themes, such as standardization, systems, and technological innovation. For those seeking a deeper Bauhaus experience, the Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau is hosting key events, including home-and-garden focused exhibitions delving into the use of materials like concrete and metal during the Bauhaus period. Additionally, the Bauhaus Atelier building offers lifestyle accommodations, providing a unique opportunity to sleep in authentic Bauhaus-era rooms.
