Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse

Gazing upon the Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse, can you envision the echoes of students past? This grand institution, formerly known as BRG 2 in Vereinsgasse, has witnessed centuries of learning and growth. Established in 1855 as one of Vienna’s oldest Realschulen, it initially opened its doors to boys only, in a shared building with the Volksschule on Weintraubengasse. The Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse wasn’t always at its current location. Its original home, completed in 1876 near the Volkertmarkt, was hailed as Vienna’s most modern Realschule. This innovative design even earned a showcase at the 1878 Paris World’s Fair. The school embraced progress, introducing electric lighting in 1892 and reorganizing its teaching schedule. Think of the changes witnessed by the Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse. From welcoming its first female students in 1919/20, to enduring the tumultuous years of World War II. During the war, the building provided shelter for soldiers and even hosted classes for Galician refugee children. The school also suffered significant damage from bombings in 1944 and artillery fire during the Battle of Vienna in 1945. Despite these hardships, the Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse persevered. Reopening after the war under the leadership of returning director Wilhelm Illing, the school continued to evolve. It transitioned to a Realgymnasium in 1963, underwent extensive renovations in the 1970s and 80s, and embraced the digital age with the introduction of computer rooms. The Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse also has a notable alumni list. From Austrian President Theodor Körner to composer Arnold Schönberg, the school has nurtured countless influential figures. Even the renowned physicist and chemist Johann Josef Loschmidt served as an assistant teacher for physics here. Today, the Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse stands as a testament to its rich history. It’s a vibrant hub of education, now located on Lessinggasse, following a merger with the BORG Hegelgasse. The modern addition, completed in 2020, seamlessly blends with the historic structure. Look closely and you might spot “Myx”, a striking sculpture by the art group Gelatin, nestled in the courtyard. The Schulzentrum BRG/BORG II Lessinggasse, a place where history and education intertwine, continues to shape young minds in the heart of Vienna’s Volkertviertel.