Nestled in Leipzig’s Graphisches Viertel stands the Haus des Buches. It is more than just a building. It is a vibrant hub for literature and culture.
The Haus des Buches replaced the former Deutsches Buchhändlerhaus. That building was tragically destroyed in 1943. The Haus des Buches continues its tradition. It does so under modern conditions.
The Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels built the Haus des Buches in 1995 and 1996. Today the Kuratorium Haus des Buches e. V. operates it. Architects Angela Wandelt and Gerd Heise won the BDA-Preis Sachsen in 1998. They won it for their design.
Notice the building’s red brick facade. It pays homage to the area’s architectural history. The Haus des Buches stretches over 100 meters along Prager Straße. It runs between Gutenbergplatz and Gerichtsweg. The address is Gerichtsweg 28.
See the slightly twisted corner tower. It rises seven stories high. The building features glazed courtyards that flood the interior with light. Heinz-Jürgen Böhme and Detlef Lieffertz created the stylized golden book wall. It blends classic and modern communication. They also designed the metal installation Buchstabenfeld. It is located in the eastern courtyard. Don’t miss the Buchstabensäule. It is a letter column with the names of former Leipzig publishers. It stands in front of the building.
Inside, you will find office spaces and event rooms. A divisible hall can accommodate up to 240 people.
The Haus des Buches is home to the Leipzig office of the Börsenverein. It also houses the regional association of booksellers and publishers. They represent Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia. Many publishing houses have offices here.
Since its opening, the Kuratorium has managed the events and exhibitions. In 2005, the Literaturhaus Leipzig was founded. It joined the literaturhaus.net network. It was the first and largest in eastern Germany. The Literaturhaus Leipzig promotes book culture through readings and film screenings.
Fourteen literary associations call the Haus des Buches home. These include the Sächsischer Literaturrat e. V. and the Gesellschaft für zeitgenössische Lyrik e. V. There are also writing workshops for all ages. This combination of book-related art, culture, and commerce is unique. It makes the Haus des Buches truly special.
Among the 41 tenants are also businesses without book connections. These include the Leipziger Synagogalchor e. V. and Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e. V. There are also law firms, tax advisors, and a design office.
The Haus des Buches is more than bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to Leipzig’s literary heritage. It is a dynamic space where creativity and commerce meet. It fosters a love of books and reading.