Once upon a time a farmer became mayor. This is the Kaisen-Scheune. It stands as a monument to Wilhelm Kaisen’s extraordinary life. Kaisen was Bremen’s mayor. But he was also a farmer at heart.
The Kaisen-Scheune is part of the Wilhelm and Helene Kaisen Foundation. It preserves the memory of Wilhelm Kaisen. He was Bremen’s mayor from 1945 to 1965. He helped rebuild the city after World War II. His wife Helene supported him throughout his career.
In 1933, Kaisen retreated to this farm. The Nazis forced him to resign from his senate position. He built a modest house. He farmed the land. He raised livestock. Even after becoming mayor, he kept this simple life.
The Kaisen family decided to open the grounds to the public. They wanted to share their heritage. The Kaisen-Scheune now hosts a documentation center. Here you can explore Kaisen’s life. You can learn about his political work.
The original barn dates back to the 1930s. Kaisen enlarged it in 1959. It became a livestock barn. In 2001, it was transformed into the documentation center.
Inside the Kaisen-Scheune, you will find an exhibition. It focuses on Kaisen’s role in Bremen’s reconstruction. The central piece is Kaisen’s original desk. He used it in the Bremen City Hall. You can also watch a documentary. It features rare footage of Kaisen. A dedicated space honors Helene Kaisen’s contributions.
The Kaisen’s residence shows how the family lived. It is simple but full of history. In the post-war era, people sought help from the mayor. The phrase “Ik gah nah Kaisen” became well-known in Bremen.
Theodor Heuss, the German President, visited Kaisen in 1952. He even visited Kaisen’s cowshed. This shows Kaisen’s unique position. He was a statesman and a farmer.
The greenhouse is the newest building. City companies gifted it to Kaisen in 1965. This was to thank him. They recognized his successful partnership. It was called the “Alliance of Workers and Merchants”. Kaisen planted two grapevines for his son Niels. Niels died in World War II. Today, the Weinkonvent zur Rose tends the vines. The grapes are turned into Kaisen-Wein. Each year, a new vintage is produced.
The Kaisen-Scheune offers a unique glimpse. It shows how a dedicated man shaped Bremen. He remained connected to his roots. His legacy lives on.