“The Fox’s Den” they call it. A playful nickname for the Mainz Rathaus. But this imposing structure on Jockel-Fuchs-Platz holds a story far richer than a simple moniker.
Before you stands a testament to post-war modernism. Designed by Arne Jacobsen and Otto Weitling its construction spanned from 1970 to 1974. Mainz had been without a proper Rathaus since 1462. That’s five hundred years of city council meetings in various temporary locations.
The story of this Rathaus is a long one. Different sites were proposed throughout the 1930s. Even plans incorporating existing buildings near the Golden-Ross-Kaserne were drawn up. These plans reflecting both classical and Nazi architectural styles never materialized.
After World War II rebuilding efforts began. Proposals for a new Rathaus re-emerged in 1954. Debate continued fiercely. Locations and costs were constantly challenged. Initially proposed plans were deemed too expensive. The final decision to build here on the site of the former Stadthalle. A site adjacent to the Brand area wasn’t finalized until 1967.
An architectural competition followed. Arne Jacobsen and Otto Weitling’s design won. Their vision aimed to create a natural focal point for the city. They sought to bridge the gap between the old town and the Rhine. A seamless connection between history and modern civic life.
Construction started in 1970. Tragically Jacobsen passed away in 1971. Weitling completed the project according to the detailed plans already developed. The Rathaus opened on December 31 1973.
The opening celebrations were grand. Gustav Heinemann the President of the Federal Republic of Germany attended. Helmut Kohl the Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate was present too. The next day Mainz’s famous carnival revelers stormed the Rathaus a joyful start to its civic life.
The building itself is striking. Its design was ambitious. The use of materials and the integration into the urban landscape were innovative for its time. The result is a bold statement and still a topic of discussion today. Some call it monumental. Others call it even ugly. But all acknowledge its significance in Mainz’s history. The Rathaus is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Mainz’s resilience and its forward-looking spirit. It is a reflection of the city’s long history and its vibrant present. A space for democracy for community and for continued stories to unfold.