“Forty-five bowling alleys. Can you believe it?” I ask, gesturing towards Haus Leipzig. This building wasn’t always the event space it is today. It has a rich and varied past.
Haus Leipzig stands before us. It’s a building with a story etched into its walls. Let’s step back in time.
Before this structure stood here, a riding hall called the Leipziger Tattersall occupied this space. It was built in 1888 and 1889. But in 1927, it was torn down.
In its place, this building arose. In May 1930, the Grobkeglerheim opened. At the time, it was Germany’s largest bowling alley. It boasted an incredible 45 lanes. National and international bowling competitions took place here.
During the Second World War, air raids severely damaged the building. It was a difficult time for Leipzig and Haus Leipzig suffered.
But Leipzig is resilient. Immediately after the war, the building was repaired. In 1946, the Soviet Intourist GmbH took over the building. They transformed it into a hotel called Haus Antifa. The former bowling hall became a dance hall. It could accommodate 600 people.
In late 1953, the hotel became state property. It was renamed Haus Leipzig. From 1961 to 1989, the building housed the Central Club of Youth and Sportsmen “Artur Becker”. Later, it was simply known as the Central Club of Youth “Artur Becker.” Many dances were held here.
On January 1, 1990, the building regained its name: Haus Leipzig. The city of Leipzig managed it until the end of 1997. The city then leased the building to the sports club Post Leipzig e.V. They renovated the dance hall. They also installed a new bowling alley in the basement.
From 2005, ABC Verwaltungs-GmbH Leipzig managed Haus Leipzig. In 2009, a project manager from Delitzsch planned to invest in the building.
In 2014, the redesigned Haus Leipzig reopened for events. It can now host up to 1,400 people. A supermarket is attached to the building. So, you can grab a snack after a concert.
Today, Haus Leipzig is a popular venue for various events. Concerts and private celebrations are often held here. Its event calendar is always full. This makes it one of Leipzig’s top addresses for events.
From bowling alley to dance hall to event venue, Haus Leipzig has seen it all. It is a testament to Leipzig’s ability to adapt and thrive. Take a look around and imagine the many stories these walls could tell.