Leipzig proudly presents: the Federal Administrative Court. Did you know this impressive building wasn’t always a court for administrative matters? Initially, it was the Imperial Court of Justice.
The German Empire, founded in 1871, needed a supreme court. After much debate, Leipzig was chosen as its location in 1877. Architects Ludwig Hoffmann and Peter Dybwad won the design competition. After seven years, the Imperial Court of Justice was completed in 1895. Emperor William II himself inaugurated it.
This building symbolized the judiciary’s power. It was equal in status to Berlin’s Reichstag building. Judicial symbolism is everywhere. From the sculpture of Truth to courtroom door reliefs. The building also housed the president’s living quarters. A ceremonial hall was available for his representative tasks. It still exists today.
The Imperial Court of Justice ruled on civil cases. It interpreted the German Civil Code of 1900. Famous criminal cases also took place here. The Reichstag fire trial in 1933 stands out. The Dutchman van der Lubbe received a death sentence. Four other defendants, including Georgi Dimitroff, were acquitted. Later, the German parliament reversed van der Lubbe’s verdict.
The Second World War marked the end of the Imperial Court of Justice. War severely damaged the building. It was only partially repaired. During the German Democratic Republic era, it served different purposes. It was a Dimitroff museum, a Museum of Fine Arts and a DEFA film studio. Public authorities also used its space.
After German reunification, things changed. The Federalism commission suggested moving the Federal Administrative Court to Leipzig. This allowed the former Imperial Court of Justice building to house one of Germany’s supreme courts. The building needed extensive refurbishment. An additional floor was added.
In 2002, the Federal Administrative Court moved in. Leipzig once again became home to a supreme court. Today, this carefully restored building fulfills all the requirements of a modern court. It houses the German supreme court for administrative matters. You can visit the dome hall, main staircase and gallery free of charge. Guided tours of the courthouse are also available for a fee. Adults pay 5,00 €. Reduced prices are available for children, pupils and students. For tours with fewer than 10 people, there is a flat rate of 45,00 €.