St. Albertus Magnus

In 1937, the old St. Joseph Chapel fell victim to progress. The city of Düsseldorf demanded its demolition to make way for the National Socialist exhibition “Schaffendes Volk” in Nordpark. A replacement was needed for the faithful of Golzheim, then a part of Derendorf Parish. Thus, in 1938, St. Albertus Magnus Church was consecrated, a beacon of faith amidst the changing landscape. The striking brick church with its freestanding tower stands proudly at the intersection of bustling hotel, office, and residential districts in Golzheim. St. Albertus Magnus is more than just a building. It’s a testament to resilience and adaptation. Initially designed as a grand complex including a community center by architect Franz Schneider, only the church itself was realized in 1938 due to financial constraints. However, expansion was always part of the plan. The church, constructed with reinforced concrete and featuring a triple-aisled, flat-roofed design, opens onto Kaiserswerther Straße with a spacious forecourt. Its brick exterior speaks of steadfastness. Inside, the walls have a three-story structure, creating a sense of height and grandeur. The altar wall opens in the center to a windowless conch, echoing Romanesque architectural styles. A statue of St. Albertus Magnus, dating back to the 1940s, graces the left altar wall. Vibrant stained-glass windows by Walter Benner illuminate the side aisle. The church wasn’t fully completed until the mid-1970s, when a community center, kindergarten, residential buildings, and the freestanding tower were finally added. This renewed vision created the current layout. St. Albertus Magnus Church has witnessed much in its time. From its consecration just before the outbreak of World War II to its modernization and expansion in 1976, it has served as a steadfast presence for the community. In 1999, it became part of the Heilige Familie parish. Today, St. Albertus Magnus stands as a symbol of faith and community, its history interwoven with the story of Düsseldorf itself.