Redoute

Could a building whisper secrets of waltzes and war? Here at the Redoute in Bonn, it certainly can. The Redoute whispers of a time when elegance waltzed with wartime necessity. Originally a private residence, the Redoute transitioned into a place of healing during the war. Richard Wendelstadt established a military hospital on the upper floor. His brother, physician Hermann Wendelstadt, oversaw the medical care. The Redoute served not just as a refuge for the wounded, but also as a stark reminder of the times. Imagine the hushed footsteps of nurses, the faint scent of antiseptic, and the quiet resilience echoing within these walls. After Richard’s death in 1920, Hermann sold the Redoute to the Godesberg municipality. They envisioned a space for cultural events, a stark contrast to its wartime role. This marked a new chapter for the Redoute. It transformed from a place of convalescence to one of celebration. In 1925, the municipality, under the watchful eye of conservator Edmund Renard, added the Garden Ballroom. They used plans from local architect Walter Bühling. That same year, local iron craftsman Gottlieb Gernhard created the entrance gate at the Brunnenallee. This coincided with the Rhineland millennial celebrations, adding a touch of grandeur to the Redoute’s evolving story. The “Redüttchen,” as it was affectionately nicknamed, even served as a pharmacy for a period. The Redoute stands as a testament to its adaptable nature, its history woven with threads of care, resilience, and the enduring power of community.