The imposing Clemens-Winkler-Bau stands before you a testament to Freiberg’s rich history in science and education. Built between 1951 and 1954 this landmark building served as the heart of the Bergakademie’s laboratories lecture halls and teaching spaces.
Clemens-Winkler-Bau isn’t just a building. It’s a symbol. It’s named after Clemens Alexander Winkler a pivotal figure in Freiberg’s scientific legacy. He was a professor of inorganic chemistry here. More impressively Winkler discovered the element germanium in 1886. He also served as Rector of the Freiberg Mining Academy from 1896 to 1899. The building itself stands as a tribute to his groundbreaking work.
For decades the Clemens-Winkler-Bau thrived. Its labs were buzzing with activity. Generations of students learned within its walls. However time and progress presented their own challenges. The building’s aging infrastructure needed a significant upgrade. The western wing unfortunately deteriorated beyond repair. It had to be demolished.
But this didn’t mean the end for the Clemens-Winkler-Bau. Quite the opposite. A remarkable transformation began. Between 2012 and 2014 a new laboratory wing was constructed. This was just the beginning. Two more followed creating a striking ensemble of modern labs. The total cost for these impressive new wings was 61.2 million euros. This was partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Free State of Saxony. The project was managed by the Saxon State Office for Real Estate and Construction Management in Chemnitz.
These new wings are more than just brick and mortar. They feature cutting-edge technology. A centralised system supplies cooling water compressed air nitrogen and argon. A high-purity gas installation ensures precise experiments. There is even a central hazard alarm system. A highlight is a metal-free clean room laboratory for precisely dating rocks. Another is a laboratory for creating new materials under extreme pressure and temperature in a high-pressure press. Eight institutes including six chemical institutes now call these new labs home.
The renovation of the original Clemens-Winkler-Bau is also underway. The project which began in the second half of 2024 is scheduled to finish by the end of 2028. The historical building will soon house offices administrative areas seminar rooms and a smaller lecture theatre. The large lecture hall will also undergo a careful and respectful restoration. The renovation will ensure the Clemens-Winkler-Bau continues its legacy for years to come. It will remain an iconic structure on the university campus. Its renovation will pay tribute to its past while preparing it for a bright future. As you stand before this impressive building remember you’re standing in the heart of Freiberg’s scientific legacy. You’re standing in a place where innovation discovery and education are intertwined. You are standing before the Clemens-Winkler-Bau.