Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium

Did you know that this grand building has been a place of learning for over 150 years? The Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium sits proudly on Wilhelmsplatz, a testament to the history of education in Goerlitz. What started as a Gewerbeschule in 1852, a school for technical crafts, soon transformed into the Luisenschule – a higher girls’ school – in 1882. Imagine the young women, dressed in their long skirts and bonnets, diligently learning their lessons! The building itself was constructed in the Neorenaissance style and boasts a magnificent facade adorned with intricate details. The western and eastern wings perfectly align with the neighboring houses, while the main entrance is a spectacle in its own right, adorned with four stately columns. The eastern wing even features a passage leading to a charming courtyard. Throughout its history, the building has seen many changes. In 1927, a third floor was added, transforming the school into a three-story building. During the 1950s, the school became coeducational, paving the way for a new era of learning for both boys and girls. By the 1950s, the school expanded further, becoming the city’s only Erweiterte Oberschule (EOS), meaning it was the sole institution in the city offering a higher education leading to university entrance. Following the reunification of Germany, the school underwent a major transformation, becoming the Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium, the name we know today. It is a name steeped in science and honouring the groundbreaking work of renowned physicists and Nobel Prize winners, Frédéric Joliot-Curie and his wife Irène.
Today, the Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium stands as a beacon of knowledge, offering a natural science and a social science track to its 444 students. As you stand here, imagine the hustle and bustle of students coming and going during the school day. Picture them pursuing their varied studies, their minds eager to explore the world of knowledge.
It’s a testament to the power of education for all. The Joliot-Curie-Gymnasium stands not only as a reminder of the past but also as a promise of a bright future for all who enter its doors, a haven for learning and opportunity.