Listen closely. Here stands the Max-Planck-Gymnasium. It is more than just a school. It is a place steeped in history and brimming with stories.
The Max-Planck-Gymnasium’s roots go way back. Its predecessor began in 1831. It officially became the Dortmunder Realschule in 1858. This makes it Dortmund’s second-oldest Gymnasium after Stadtgymnasium Dortmund.
In 1863 the school moved to a new building. This building was at Neutor. In 1879 it became independent. It had its own teachers and director. In 1882 it was renamed Realgymnasium. Around 1917 it got another name. It became Bismarck-Realgymnasium. This honored Otto von Bismarck. He was key to founding the German Empire in 1871.
However dark times fell over the school. During the Nazi regime, a teacher helped organize the book burning in 1933. Students even performed a text at the event. Jewish students and teachers faced threats. Many were forced to leave. Some were deported and murdered.
The school building was mostly destroyed in 1943. By 1944 it was completely gone. Parts of the school community moved to Baden-Baden during the war.
After the war, students and teachers returned. Classes restarted in 1946. They were held at the Helmholtz-Gymnasium. In 1949 the school was renamed Max-Planck-Gymnasium. This honored physicist Max Planck. He was born in the school’s founding year. In 1961 the Max-Planck-Gymnasium moved to Ardeystrasse.
Since 1972 boys and girls have attended classes together here. The Max-Planck-Gymnasium is known for its language programs. It has Portuguese and French language tracks. It is Germany’s only Gymnasium with Portuguese as an Abitur subject. Since 1991 students can earn the AbiBac. This is a German-French double degree. The Max-Planck-Gymnasium is a certified “Europe School” in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The school has a long rowing tradition that began in 1899. The Max-Planck-Gymnasium joined the “School Without Racism – School With Courage” network. It received the “MINT-friendly School” award in 2018 and 2021. In 2022 it also became a “Digital School”.
Hans-Georg Becker became the Max-Planck-Gymnasium’s director in 1979. He started the Portuguese program in 1980. Today the Max-Planck-Gymnasium partners with schools in Brazil and Portugal. It also has partnerships with schools in France and the USA.
The Max-Planck-Gymnasium has a strong sports program. Student rowing is very important. The school’s rowing club is one of the largest and oldest in the region. In 1890 the school’s students started playing football. They were pioneers of the sport in Dortmund.
Many famous people attended or taught at the Max-Planck-Gymnasium. This includes politicians, scientists and artists.
Today the Max-Planck-Gymnasium continues to evolve. It supports its students’ development. It offers programs for accelerated and in-depth learning.
As you stand here remember the Max-Planck-Gymnasium’s long history. Think of its struggles and triumphs. Consider its dedication to education and its diverse programs. The Max-Planck-Gymnasium is a place of learning growth and opportunity.