Auferstehungskirche Buchforst

The rough concrete, scarred by the imprint of the wooden planks used in its construction, stands as a stark testament to a bygone era. Look at the Auferstehungskirche Buchforst, the Church of Resurrection in Cologne, and imagine the postwar years. It was 1968 and the scars of war were still fresh. This part of Cologne, Buchforst, was a new settlement, a place where displaced people, many of them Protestant, had found refuge. The church, a bold architectural statement by Georg Rasch and Winfried Wolsky, was designed to be more than just a place of worship. It was a communal center, a hub for a community in need. Built in the style of brutalist modernism, the church stands tall and proud, its distinctive copper roof reaching towards the sky like an outstretched hand. Instead of a traditional bell tower, the church has a modernistic, sculptural structure, like a giant, abstract sculpture, standing watch over the neighborhood. Inside, the austerity of the space is both striking and somehow welcoming. The raw concrete walls, infused with the subtle warmth of natural light filtering through narrow windows, create a contemplative atmosphere. The simple, slanted wooden benches invite contemplation and the small altar, illuminated by a cascade of light, feels like a beacon of hope. The church, though unusual in its design, quickly became a focal point for the community. However, in 2005, the church’s congregation dwindled, and the church was left empty. But its story didn’t end there. The GAG Immobilien, Cologne’s public housing company, saw the potential in the church. Instead of demolishing it, they transformed it into what is known today as the Kulturkirche Ost, the Eastern Culture Church. The GAG Immobilien, recognizing the importance of the church’s heritage, took on the unusual role of caretaker of the sacred space. Today, the Auferstehungskirche hosts a vibrant program of cultural events, from music and film to readings and philosophical cafes. This remarkable building, a testament to the resilience of a community and the genius of its architects, continues to serve the people of Buchforst, embracing art and culture, and fostering a spirit of community, much like it did back in 1968. Take a moment to appreciate this unique space. You never know what kind of creative endeavor might take place next within its walls.