Curious about a place where history and political discourse meet? That place is Haus Rissen in Hamburg. It stands as a not-for-profit. It is an independent and non-partisan institution for further education.
Haus Rissen’s story began in 1954. Erik Blumenfeld and other Hamburg figures founded it. They came from the worlds of business, politics, media, and science. Their goal was to support democracy in post-World War II Germany. They also aimed to integrate the country into the West. This founding mission is still part of the institute’s purpose. It seeks to win over young people to democracy and a market economy. Haus Rissen wants to promote international understanding. Political education for schools is a main focus even today.
Erik Blumenfeld was the founder of the Atlantik-Brücke. He actively helped build Haus Rissen. He led its board of trustees until 1981. Because of him, the institute still focuses on transatlantic relations.
In 1979, President Karl Carstens praised Haus Rissen’s work. This was for the institute’s 25th anniversary. He noted its broad educational efforts. These efforts covered economics, society, domestic policy, and foreign policy. Carstens emphasized that Haus Rissen was not tied to any party. It was free from any confession, interest group, or ideology. It served as a place for free opinions. It encouraged independent judgment.
Haus Rissen has always addressed global developments. It has included these in its seminars and events. In the 1950s, this included opening up to America. It also meant discussing the future of the European Community. The institute looked at developments in Central and Eastern Europe. It also turned its attention to countries like India.
The 1960s brought more topics. These included the German question and steps toward détente. Politics and strategy in the nuclear age were also discussed. The development of the post-colonial world in Africa and Asia was another focus. Seminars began in 1965 for officers of Western armed forces. This was in cooperation with the Atlantik-Brücke. Over 12,000 officers have attended these seminars.
Herman Kahn held his European summer school at Haus Rissen. This lasted for several years. Eduard Pestel and Gerhard Merzyn were founding members of the Club of Rome. They joined in April 1968.
In the 1970s, Haus Rissen focused on new questions. These questions included sustainable global growth. The opening of China and geopolitical changes in Europe were key themes. In 1978, the German section of the Club of Rome was founded at the institute. It remained there until 2005.
During the 1980s, Haus Rissen addressed employment issues. This included the impact of technology on the workplace. It also looked at changes in Eastern Europe. The institute supported German-German seminars after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Round tables, workshops, and conferences were held.
Until the year 2000, the institute focused on European development. It also selected specific regions of the world. Publishing became a priority through many publications.
Since 2008, Haus Rissen has been active as a non-profit. It offers over 100 seminars and events each year. These provide knowledge on global issues. The institute offers custom seminars for businesses and the military. These take place at Haus Rissen or on-site.
Haus Rissen also educates students. It aims to help them understand global events. This helps them develop solutions. Since 2017, it has trained young first-time voters as election helpers.
The main building was built in 1921. It served as a residence for Albert Ernst Vesper. Krenzki and Wille, Hamburg architects, designed it. The building stands on the site of a burned-down building.
From 1934 to 1945, the “Gauführerschule” of the German Labour Front was located here. After World War II, it served as a training site for justice employees.
Since 2012, the rooms at Haus Rissen are available for rent. They can be used for seminars, conferences, and celebrations. A guesthouse with 30 rooms opened in 2019.
Haus Rissen continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of a changing world. Its commitment to education remains strong. It shapes the minds of tomorrow’s leaders.