Perched at an angle, the R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus presents a curious facade. It stands at the Platz der Demokratie. This building embodies a fascinating contradiction. Its facade is massive. Yet, the building itself is quite narrow. This is due to its complex history and state protection.
Welcome to the R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus. It is now the administration building for the University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar. The R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus has a history as layered as its facade. Originally, this space housed three separate buildings. There was the Fürstenkeller, a building behind it, and a small wooden stall connecting them.
After the fire of 1774, the ducal family needed a new home. They moved into the Fürstenhaus. The square in front of the Fürstenhaus needed a proper western border. So, instead of erecting a new building, they built a curtain facade in 1785. It faced the square. This facade unified the existing structures.
Over the centuries, the buildings behind the facade grew together. They served as both residential and commercial spaces. In 1889, colonnades were added to the Fürstenhaus. The R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus then needed a contemporary update. This came in 1891 and 1892. The large central balcony was removed around the mid-20th century.
From 1909 to 1936, the R\u00f6\u00dfler family owned the building. The government then acquired it. They used it for police administration. In 1951, the Liszt University gained ownership. It became their administration building.
Extensive renovations took place until 1999. These renovations aimed to fully integrate the structures into one cohesive building. Today, a modern administration building stands behind the historic facade of the R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus.
During World War II, in April 1945, the R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus suffered severe damage. Immediate measures were taken to secure and restore it. The Fürstenkeller, located next to it, was completely destroyed in the bombing.
In 1998, the administrative building was almost completely rebuilt behind the 1891-92 facade. A complete reconstruction of the R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus happened.
Note the windowless rear of the R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus. It awaits a new neighbor. Perhaps one that will replace the parking lot.
The R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus stands as a testament to Weimar’s evolving urban landscape. It reflects the city’s commitment to preserving its historical identity. Today, the R\u00f6\u00dflersches Haus remains a vital part of the Franz Liszt University. It serves as a functional space while reminding us of Weimar’s rich architectural past.