Medienturm

“Uniriese?” a passerby chuckled, pointing upwards. “We locals call it the Weisheitszahn, the wisdom tooth.” He grinned, then hurried on. The Medienturm, whether you call it Uniriese or Weisheitszahn, dominates Leipzig’s skyline. Its 36 stories and 142.5 meters make it the tallest building in the city. This imposing structure, designed by Hermann Henselmann, has been a landmark since its completion in 1972. The Medienturm was originally part of the University of Leipzig campus. It was designed in the shape of an open book, echoing Henselmann’s vision of crowning city centers with prominent towers. This concept is also seen in his other works, such as the Jen-Tower in Jena and the Fernsehturm in Berlin. The Medienturm has undergone significant changes. It was originally clad in aluminum. However, during a complete renovation between 1999 and 2002, the aluminum was replaced with grey granite. This gives the building a more modern, albeit less distinctive, appearance. While no longer a university building, the Medienturm, still sometimes referred to as the MDR-Turm, houses offices for various tenants. One of these is the public broadcaster MDR, which lends the building its alternate name. The Medienturm also houses the European Energy Exchange. High above the city, on the 26th and 27th floors, the “Plate of Art” restaurant offers panoramic views. The restaurant, formerly known as “Panorama”, was originally opened in 2002 and then redesigned in 2007. For an even more breathtaking vista, visitors can ascend to the viewing platform on the 31st floor. At 120 meters, it provides stunning views across Leipzig and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can even see peaks in the Ore Mountains, such as the Fichtelberg and Brocken in Germany. You can even see some Ore Mountains peaks in the Czech Republic. The Medienturm’s viewing platform is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique perspective on this vibrant city. The Medienturm stands as a testament to Leipzig’s evolving history. From its university origins to its modern role as a media hub, it has continuously adapted to the changing times.