Reichshof

Did the Reichshof always cater to Leipzig’s elite? Absolutely not. The Reichshof stands before us, a proud testament to Leipzig’s ever-evolving spirit. This grand building at Reichsstraße 2, corner of Grimmaische Straße, has played many roles throughout its history. Richard Pudor, a Leipzig entrepreneur, commissioned the Reichshof in 1896. Architect Albert Bohm designed the four-story, neo-baroque gem. The building opened in 1898 as a combination department store and exhibition space. The lower floors housed a fashionable department store. The upper floors catered to the burgeoning Mustermesse, Leipzig’s trade fair. This clever arrangement helped Pudor minimize financial risk while contributing to the city’s growing commercial reputation. The building’s name, Reichshof, likely derived from its location on Reichsstraße, a section of the historic Via Imperii. The Reichshof continued to evolve. In 1904, it expanded to include the neighboring property at Grimmaische Straße 7. Later, in 1934, the adjacent Art Nouveau building at Grimmaische Straße 9-11, also designed by Bohm, became part of the Reichshof complex. The Reichshof’s story took a dramatic turn after World War II. It was expropriated and transformed into a department store exclusively for Soviet officers. Locals began calling it the “Russenkaufhaus,” or “Russian Department Store.” This chapter speaks volumes about the shifting political landscape of post-war Germany. In the early 1960s, the Reichshof transitioned yet again, this time into a furniture store. It wasn’t until the reunification of Germany that the Reichshof began to reclaim its former glory. In 1990-1991, Pudor’s great-grandson spearheaded a major reconstruction project. The Reichshof reopened as a department store, a nod to its early days. Its distinctive copper roof even won an award in 1993 for its beauty. The Reichshof underwent a further exterior restoration in 2018. This restoration brought the building closer to its original pre-war appearance. It also reinstated a plaque honoring both Pudor and Bohm. So, the Reichshof is more than just a building. It’s a living chronicle of Leipzig’s resilience, a testament to the city’s commercial prowess, and a reflection of the ever-changing tides of history.