Didn’t this area once echo with the sound of cavalry? The Leonardo-Campus 11 stands before you. It is a testament to transformation. Once a military site, it now fosters learning and innovation.
This area’s story stretches back to the late 19th century. From 1898 to 1901, Prussian militarism led to the construction of a cavalry barracks here. Spanning approximately 11 hectares on Steinfurter Strasse the Von-Einem-Kavallerie-Kaserne was erected. After World War I, the barracks were renamed after Karl von Einem. He was a Prussian Minister of War.
Remarkably, the military base remained mostly intact. While the city suffered heavy damage during World War II, the barracks survived. Post-war, the British Army used the site. Later, the Bundeswehr also occupied a large portion. You could even spot Bundeswehr helicopters landing on a fenced-off area. From 1948 to 1997, the Westphalian Riding and Driving School occupied another section. This included stables and a large riding hall.
The fall of the Iron Curtain changed everything. The military no longer needed the barracks. This presented a unique opportunity for Muenster’s universities. They needed space for expansion and new research facilities.
In 1994, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia acquired the area. This marked the birth of the Leonardo-Campus. Planning began to convert the former military site into a modern campus.
The conversion involved 16 construction projects. These began in March 1999. They were completed by the State Building Authority Muenster II by the end of 2000. Many historic buildings were renovated. They were adapted for university use while respecting landmark preservation guidelines.
Concurrently, the state planned and built a new art academy. The Building and Real Estate Management company North Rhine-Westphalia oversaw the campus’s realization. Today, they manage 37,350 square meters of rental space on the Leonardo-Campus. These spaces serve the Westphalian Wilhelms University, the University of Applied Sciences, and the Muenster Art Academy.
The last gap in the Leonardo-Campus was filled in 2009. This was the construction of a new building for the Department of Design. Now attention shifted to expanding the library.
Even the new design building project followed a rigorous process. A Europe-wide competition was held. An architect from Berlin won among 21 participating firms. Her design aimed to complement and renew the Leonardo-Campus. But it also preserved its existing order.
The Leonardo-Campus 11 stands as a symbol. It represents Muenster’s ability to adapt and repurpose its spaces. From Prussian cavalry to modern academia, the area has continuously evolved. It contributes to the city’s vibrant intellectual landscape.