Picture the imposing facade of the Logenhaus. This isn’t just any building in Dresden. This is the home of Dresden’s Freemasons a place steeped in history and secrets.
The original Logenhaus stood proudly on Ostra-Allee. Two lodges Zu den drei Schwertern und Asträa zur grünenden Raute and Zum goldenen Apfel commissioned its construction. They sold shares to fund the project. Each share cost 25 thalers.
Designed by Gustav Hörnig a Freemason himself the building resembled an Italian palazzo. Three busts representing apprentice journeyman and master adorned its main facade. Postcards even featured it alongside the Golden Rider and the Zwinger.
Construction began in March 1837. The cornerstone was laid in May. The grand opening was in October 1838. At least 400 Freemasons from across Saxony attended.
Sadly the original Logenhaus was mostly destroyed during World War II. Along with much of Dresden’s historic inner city it was lost to bombing. The building had to be demolished.
A new Logenhaus arose later near Schillerplatz. But this isn’t the end of the story. In the 1990s another Logenhaus near Neustadt station was used but it proved unsuitable.
Today the lodges share a location at Tolkewitzer Strasse 49. The original sphinx statues designed by the famed sculptor Ernst Rietschel were rediscovered and restored. They now grace the entrance to the current building. They were found during construction near the old location. They were once considered lost to war.
The Logenhaus a symbol of Dresden’s rich Masonic heritage continues to stand. It’s a testament to perseverance and the enduring power of the Freemasons’ ideals. Its story is one of creation destruction and ultimate rebirth.