Humboldt-Gymnasium

Can you imagine walking in the footsteps of some of Dusseldorf’s most famous people? You are currently standing before the Humboldt-Gymnasium in Dusseldorf, a school with a rich history and notable alumni. This grand building has been a cornerstone of education in Dusseldorf since 1838. It was initially called the Stadtische Realschule and was housed in a former Franciscan monastery. It later moved to Klosterstrasse and in 1889, held its first Abitur exams. After the first World War, the school was renamed the Hindenburgschule, and played an important role as a support centre during the economic crisis. Tragically, during the Second World War, the building was destroyed in an air raid. However, the school was rebuilt in the 1950s and was given its current name, the Humboldt-Gymnasium, in 1945, in honour of the famous German philosopher Wilhelm von Humboldt. The building you see before you is the one constructed in 1955, designed by Ernst Petersen and Walter Köngeter. The school’s dedication to the arts is reflected in the work of the renowned sculptor Ivo Beucker, who was himself a former student. You can see his bronze sculpture, “Jüngling,” in the schoolyard today. This school boasts a strong musical legacy. It’s a testament to its commitment to music that it was named an “NRW Music Profile School” in 2021. The school offers a wide variety of musical opportunities for its students and has established partnerships with the Clara Schumann Music School and the Robert Schumann University. You can see its commitment to collaboration in the school’s orchestra, which features both students and musicians from the Robert Schumann University of Music. This school has provided an inspiring environment for students for over 180 years. The Humboldt-Gymnasium is not just a school, it’s a living testament to the enduring power of education and culture.