Rathaus Grötzingen

Journey back to 1583. Imagine skilled stonemasons from Grötzingen meticulously laying the foundation for what would become their Rathaus. Right here, at Rathaus Grötzingen, the first floor stands as a testament to their craftsmanship. This building has witnessed centuries of history, serving as the heart of Grötzingen. Originally, merchants’ carts would pass through an archway, now bricked up, into a transshipment hall. The Rathaus Grötzingen wasn’t always as we see it today. The Thirty Years’ War ravaged the original half-timbered structure. Twenty years later, in 1668, a new half-timbered structure rose from the remaining stonework. A vital piece of Rathaus Grötzingen’s history arrived five years later: a bell, funded by the townspeople themselves. This bell, still functional, summoned citizens for important votes and announcements. In 1875, the entire façade of Rathaus Grötzingen was plastered, hiding the half-timbering. Only after World War I did Mayor Karl Jäck restore the façade to its former glory. Remarkably, Rathaus Grötzingen survived all military conflicts unscathed, despite its central role. The 1950s and 60s saw extensive renovations, including repairs to the roof, beams, and exterior walls. More recently, between 2016 and 2019, Rathaus Grötzingen underwent a complete renovation. Today, the Bürgersaal, once the council chamber, now serves as an exhibition room, wedding venue, and space for festive events. Inside, you’ll also find the mayor’s office, the information desk with lost and found services, the main office, and the registry office. The Bürgersaal also houses a permanent exhibition showcasing the historic Grötzingen artists’ colony. This colony began in 1889 with Friedrich Kallmorgen’s purchase of a summer house. The exhibition provides a glimpse into the diversity and creative power of these artists.