Königin-Luise-Gymnasium

Could a school building whisper secrets of centuries past? Here at the Königin-Luise-Gymnasium, the walls hold echoes of girls’ laughter, scholarly debates, and the weight of history. The Königin-Luise-Gymnasium first opened its doors in 1811 as a public school for girls. It started without its own building, a testament to the determination of those early educators. The Königin-Luise-Gymnasium, under French occupation, was a beacon of knowledge in turbulent times. In 1827, Erfurt, now part of the Kingdom of Prussia, took control. Director Weingärtner led a team of nine teachers, educating 180 girls across four classes within the walls of the Predigerkloster. The Königin-Luise-Gymnasium quickly outgrew its space. By 1836, 280 girls filled its classrooms, prompting a move to the Barfüßerhof. Expansion continued in 1862, adding another grade and introducing physics to the curriculum. Even physical education found its place, becoming compulsory in 1876, although the Königin-Luise-Gymnasium shared the two available gymnasiums with other Erfurt schools. The year 1884 marked a significant move to the Barfüßerschulhaus, accommodating 430 students. A higher-level curriculum, including subjects like art history and household chemistry, appeared in 1886. The dawn of the 20th century saw the Königin-Luise-Gymnasium move into its grand new building on Melanchthonstraße in 1903. It was renamed to honor Queen Luise von Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a tribute marking 100 years of Erfurt’s Prussian allegiance. A portrait of the Queen graced the assembly hall ten years later. The Königin-Luise-Gymnasium even played a role in shaping political history. Dr. Theodor Neubauer, future KPD politician and resistance fighter, taught here from 1917 to 1920. By 1918, the school had 726 students, 24 classes, 34 teachers, and a new east wing. The 100th anniversary of the municipal girls’ school was celebrated in 1927. The school gained its own sports field. The winds of change continued to blow. Post-World War II, under Soviet occupation, the school became the “Dr. Theodor-Neubauer-Schule” in 1945. The Königin-Luise-Gymnasium adapted to the GDR’s socialist system, becoming a polytechnical secondary school. Then, after German reunification, the Königin-Luise-Gymnasium regained its name and its higher-level status in 1992, becoming Erfurt’s sixth state gymnasium. A centennial celebration in 2003 marked 100 years in the Melanchthonstraße building. Much-needed renovations breathed new life into the historic structure. In a moment of national recognition, class 6a won the title of “Germany’s Best Class” in 2008 on a KI.KA quiz show. Finally, in 2018, the restored facade, once marred by graffiti, was unveiled, a symbolic fresh start for the Königin-Luise-Gymnasium. It continues to educate, inspire, and adapt, a vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of Erfurt’s history.