Do you smell that? It is not smoke but the scent of culture that emanates from the Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz.
Welcome to the Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz. This historic fire station now serves as a vibrant socio-cultural center. It stands proudly near the Elbe River in Dresden’s Loschwitz district.
Let’s step back in time. In 1775, a simple firehouse was built. It housed a small cart and equipment. This was following an order by the prince.
By 1859, a new firehouse appeared near Hentschelmühle. Today, the Ludwig Richter monument marks the spot. This building housed two hand-operated pumps and a hose wagon.
The area underwent significant changes during the construction of the Blue Wonder bridge. As Loschwitz grew, a modern fire station became essential.
In 1908, shortly after the Schiller School, the current Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz was built. Georg Schramm designed both. It included a vehicle hall equipment rooms and a hose tower. There were also apartments.
Even after Loschwitz joined Dresden in 1921, the volunteer fire brigade continued to operate. Tragedy struck in 1945 when the church and school burned down. The fire brigade was in Dresden’s city center. Vehicles and equipment were almost completely destroyed by the end of the war. The Loschwitz Volunteer Fire Brigade ceased operations.
The professional fire brigade from Schlütterstraße took over. They covered Loschwitz with help from Bühlau and Niederpoyritz volunteer fire brigades. The former fire station found new uses. Various institutions used the space. Some rooms were converted into apartments.
In 1991, artists and art students occupied the Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz. They discovered civil defense equipment in the building. The items were properly removed. This cleared the way for a creative transformation into an art and cultural center.
In February 1991, local artists formed the Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz e. V. The artist Gudrun Oltmanns was the initiator.
Today, the Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz is a thriving hub. Various art forms and projects are realized. They offer socio-cultural activities and cultural education. Weekly events for youth and adults take place. There are also monthly children’s events. About 25 courses in various artistic fields are available.
The association is a member of the Landesverband Soziokultur Sachsen e. V. The City of Dresden’s Office for Culture and Monument Protection supports it.
The “Trille” is a special event room. It can accommodate 30 to 60 people. It’s named after the Loschwitzbach stream. The stream runs under the building. Initiatives clubs and individuals can rent this room.
Since 1991, the former fire station garages have been used as gallery spaces. The Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz hosts contemporary art exhibitions. Artists from Dresden’s partner cities participate annually.
Since 2004, the association has offered residencies for artists. The Verein offers guest rooms with studios. This is independent of the nearby Künstlerhaus Dresden-Loschwitz.
Not far from here is Burgberg Loschwitz. Since 2004, members of the association have worked to recultivate it.
The Alte Feuerwache Loschwitz stands as a testament to community spirit. It is a blend of history art and culture. As you leave take a moment to appreciate this unique space. It embodies the creative heart of Loschwitz.