Drei Könige

In 1915, as the rumble of World War I echoed across Europe, a new structure began to rise amidst the historic streets of Leipzig. This was the Drei Könige, a building destined to become a vibrant hub of commerce and a testament to the city’s enduring spirit. The Drei Könige, meaning “Three Kings,” takes its name from a former inn that graced this very spot. The original inn, known as “Zu den drei Königen,” was documented as early as 1680. This new Messehaus, or trade fair building, replaced the old inn, but the name lived on, a nod to the past. The Drei Könige was designed by a trio of architects: Gustav Pflaume and Julius Nebel from Leipzig, and Hans Stöcklein from Munich. Built with sturdy steel-reinforced concrete, it was designed to withstand the uncertainties of wartime. A notable feature of the Drei Könige is its ornate facade. The two-story bay window, or Erker, proudly displays sculptures of the Three Kings, crafted by Georg Albertshofer. These figures, along with three allegorical statues above them, serve as a modern interpretation of Leipzig’s Baroque Erker tradition and act as the building’s distinctive mark. The ground floor, originally home to the “Drei Könige” coffee house, features a striking five-part arched design. Above it, four upper floors rise, capped by a roof adorned with two rows of dormers with rounded arch tops. The Drei Könige’s construction, remarkably completed in just a year between April 1915 and February 1916, embodies the city’s resolve during a time of conflict. The inscription on the Erker, “Auf Sieg vertraut – Im Krieg gebaut” (Trusting in victory – Built in war), serves as a poignant reminder of this era. For over 70 years, the Drei Könige served as the heart of Leipzig’s shoe trade fair, a testament to its functional design and prime location. The building even housed a cafe, continuing the tradition of the original inn. Despite the bombings that ravaged Leipzig in December 1943, the Drei Könige survived with only minor damage. It continued to serve the city, its exhibition rooms providing shelter to bombed-out businesses, including parts of the Brockhaus publishing house. Today, the Drei Könige stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability. While its days as a shoe fair venue are over, it continues to thrive as a commercial building, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Leipzig’s city center.