Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium

Stepping through time, let’s journey back to 1914. Picture the grand opening of the Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium. This wasn’t just any school. It was a beacon of modern design, a testament to the vision of its namesake, city architect Hans Erlwein. The Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium, or HEG as it’s affectionately known, was built in the Reform Architecture style. It boasted electric lights, a rarity at the time. Even the placement of the caretaker’s quarters was strategic, positioned near the entrances to catch any tardy students. Hygiene was paramount. Students were even monitored to ensure they washed their hands. A curious remnant of this practice can still be seen today. A non-functional door remains on the ground floor, right next to the restrooms, a silent witness to those early days. The Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium wasn’t built from scratch. It inherited its first students and teachers from the Gruna village school, which had been known as the 31st District School since 1901. The original building housed not only the gymnasium but also a branch of the 10th Civic School. During the tumultuous years of World War I, the Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium became a haven for all classes of the 10th Civic School. Its modern kitchen, a marvel of the time, was transformed into a “people’s kitchen,” providing sustenance for those in need. Even the building’s adornments reflect the era. Original copper ornamentation was replaced with more practical zinc sheeting. In 1919, the school was renamed the 31st Elementary School. By 1920, the upper floors of what is now the north wing housed the 1st Girls’ School. Today, the Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium continues to thrive. It offers a range of educational paths. Students can choose between Russian and French as their second foreign language, starting in the sixth grade, along with ethics, Protestant or Catholic religion classes. The school provides a science profile (NaWi), a social sciences profile (GeWi), and a language profile focusing on Italian. The Hans-Erlwein-Gymnasium isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to Dresden’s rich history, a place where past and present intertwine, and where “rooms are constructed for the designers of tomorrow.”