Bauhaus Dessau
Sachsen-Anhalt
Bauhaus Dessau, constructed between 1925 and 1926 by Walter Gropius, is a seminal example of pre-war modernist architecture located in Dessau-Roßlau, Germany. Designed as a school building for the Bauhaus School of Art, Design and Architecture, it features a distinctive international style with five functionally structured wings arranged without a traditional front facade. The workshop wing is notable for its glass curtain wall, creating an impression of transparency and lightness that challenged aesthetic norms of its time. The complex includes the School of Arts and Crafts, workshops, the Atelierhaus dormitory studios, an auditorium, stage, and cafeteria. Although damaged during World War II, the building was reconstructed and restored multiple times, preserving its architectural integrity. Since 1996, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing Bauhaus sites in Weimar, Dessau, and Bernau. The site remains a vibrant center for research, education, and experimental design under the Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau, which also manages preservation efforts and public engagement. The Prellerhaus section provides residential studios for students and masters, available for overnight stays since 2006. Bauhaus Dessau is celebrated for its revolutionary functional design, absence of ornamentation, and its role in shaping modern architecture and design worldwide.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the official website for current opening hours and ticket information. Guided tours are available and recommended to fully appreciate the building's architectural details and historical context. The best time to visit is during spring to autumn when the museum operates extended hours. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions and guided tours. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The Prellerhaus offers unique overnight stays, providing an immersive Bauhaus experience.
Interesting facts
- •The glass curtain wall of the workshop wing was a revolutionary design element that created a transparent facade stretching over three floors, symbolizing industrial innovation.
- •The building's functional design deliberately avoided traditional ornamentation, emphasizing clarity and openness between interior and exterior spaces.
- •The Prellerhaus contains 28 studios originally used by masters and students, and since 2006, it has been available for overnight stays, offering a unique visitor experience.
- •The building faced significant challenges with climate control due to its extensive glass facade, requiring innovative sun protection and ventilation solutions.
- •Bauhaus Dessau is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes related Bauhaus buildings in Weimar and Bernau, highlighting the movement's architectural legacy.
History
The Bauhaus Dessau building was constructed from 1925 to 1926 following Walter Gropius's designs to serve as the new home for the Bauhaus School after its move from Weimar.
It quickly became a symbol of modernist architecture.
The school was closed in 1932 under pressure from the Nazi regime.
Despite war damage and changes during the DDR era, restoration efforts began in 1965 and continued through the 1970s and early 2000s to preserve the original design.
In 1994, the Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau was established to maintain the site and promote Bauhaus heritage.
In 1996, the building was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site recognizing its global cultural significance.
Place Guide
Workshop Wing with Glass Curtain Wall1925-1926
This wing is famous for its uninterrupted glass facade stretching across all three floors, symbolizing transparency and industrial innovation. It housed the workshops where students practiced crafts and design.
Atelierhaus Dormitory Studios1925-1926
Located adjacent to the workshop wing, the Atelierhaus provided living and working spaces for students, fostering a creative community within the Bauhaus.
Prellerhaus Studios1926
A prominent five-story section with 28 studios originally for young masters and students, named after Louis Preller's studio building in Weimar. Since 2006, it offers overnight accommodation to visitors.
Auditorium and Stage1925-1926
Situated between the workshop and Atelierhaus, this space was used for performances, lectures, and gatherings, reflecting Bauhaus's interdisciplinary approach.
Contact
Phone: 0340 6508250
