Fancy that, a building standing tall since 1928. That’s the Anzeiger-Hochhaus. It dominates Hanover’s skyline. Right now, we are standing before one of Germany’s most iconic structures from the 1920s.
The Anzeiger-Hochhaus has a unique appearance. Its facade features detailed reliefs. These are made of vividly protruding clinker bricks. The twelve-meter-high dome is quite striking. Fritz Höger, the architect, designed it in the Brick Expressionist style. He completed it three years after his Chilehaus in Hamburg. The Anzeiger-Hochhaus was built for the Hannoverscher Anzeiger publishing house.
Notice the dark red Bockhorn clinker bricks. See how some are partially gold-glazed. The facade features wedge-shaped projecting pillars. Light fixtures top each stepped entrance arch. These extend into the building’s interior. The copper-clad dome features a steel strip network. It is sprayed with concrete on both sides.
Inside, under the dome, was once a vibrant space. It served as a planetarium. Later, it became an event venue and movie stage. Films have been shown here since December 1928. The Kulturbühne Planetarium-Lichtspiele seated 210 people. A cinema organ, made by Michael Welte & Söhne, was specially installed.
Did you know the Anzeiger-Hochhaus housed the publishing offices? The editorial office and print shop of the Hannoverscher Anzeiger were also here. The building survived World War II with minimal damage. The city center of Hanover was heavily destroyed, but the Anzeiger-Hochhaus stood strong. Its steel skeleton construction helped. During a late air raid in March 1945, the dome burned out.
After the war, the Anzeiger-Hochhaus played a role in German media history. The Spiegel magazine was established here in 1947. Stern magazine followed in 1948.
Today, the Anzeiger-Hochhaus is a listed building. It is part of the Hanover Media Center. Several radio and television editorial offices are located here. The building also houses Germany’s highest cinema, under the green dome. In 2019, the dome was renovated. Nordic Green pre-patinated copper was added. Now, 1,300 square meters of Nordic Copper adorn the Anzeiger-Hochhaus.
The Anzeiger-Hochhaus stands as a testament to Hanover’s architectural heritage. It blends Brick Expressionism with Gothic and Expressionist elements. Its unique dome and detailed facade make it a true landmark. Take a moment to appreciate this blend of history, architecture, and media. It is a building that has shaped Hanover’s skyline and its cultural landscape.