A grand illusion, wouldn’t you say? The Institutsgebäude whispers tales of emperors and scholars. This unassuming building, once known as the Badischer Hof, stands as a silent witness to Heidelberg’s evolving history. The Institutsgebäude isn’t just a building. It’s a repository of stories, echoing with the footsteps of those who shaped this city.
The Institutsgebäude initially served as Heidelberg’s archäological hub. Established in 1866, the Archaeological Institute, the precursor to today’s Institutsgebäude, quickly outgrew its original space. By 1868, the burgeoning collection and library necessitated a move to Augustinergasse 7. This marked a turning point, with the hiring of the first “Institutsdiener,” expanding the institute beyond just its professors. The institute’s growth mirrored the expansion of archaeology itself.
Under Friedrich von Duhn’s leadership from 1880 to 1919, the Institutsgebäude transformed. Von Duhn, a key figure in the world of archaeology, focused on expanding the institute’s collection and integrating new technologies into research. He even introduced photography and drawing courses. This era saw the acquisition of neighboring buildings on Schulgasse and the construction of a skylight hall in 1885 to house plaster casts of the Parthenon Frieze. The Institutsgebäude wasn’t just a place of study; it became a showcase of ancient art and a training ground for future archaeologists.
The Institutsgebäude also witnessed periods of upheaval. During the First World War, despite personnel losses, teaching continued, with a notable increase in female students. The institute relocated to the “Museumsgebäude” at Universitätsplatz in 1903, freeing up previous locations for the expanding collection. After the war, the Institutsgebäude entered a new phase. The appointment of renowned archaeology photographer Hermann Wagner in 1946 ushered in an era of enhanced visual documentation and restoration. The centennial celebration of the Antiquities Museum in 1948 highlighted the institute’s resilience and dedication to preserving the past.
The Institutsgebäude continued its transformation after World War II. The demolition of the Weinbrenner Building and the subsequent construction of the New Kollegiengebäude in the 1970s brought the institute, the cast collection, and the Antiquities Museum under one roof. The introduction of a restorer position in 1960 and a conservator in 1963 further solidified the Institutsgebäude’s commitment to preserving its valuable artifacts. The Institutsgebäude stands as a testament to the enduring power of knowledge and the importance of preserving our shared history. It continues to be a vital center for research, teaching, and cultural exchange within Heidelberg University.