Pause for a moment and listen to the echoes of intellectual curiosity. Right here stands the Universit\u00e4t Hamburg Hauptgeb\u00e4ude. This building has been a beacon of knowledge since its establishment. It is a landmark that tells a story of Hamburg’s commitment to education and progress.
Let’s step back in time to the early 20th century. Hamburg was a bustling port city. Yet, it lacked a central institution for higher learning. The merchants of Hamburg were hesitant. They feared the cost and competition a university would bring. However, visionaries like Werner von Melle saw the potential.
Von Melle served as mayor in 1915. He tirelessly advocated for a university. He reformed the General Lecture Series in 1895. Also, he initiated the Hamburgische Wissenschaftliche Stiftung in 1907. Moreover, he founded the Colonial Institute in 1908. His efforts paved the way for the realization of a long-held dream.
Finally, in March 1919, the Hamburg Parliament made a historic decision. They resolved to establish the Hamburgische Universit\u00e4t. The domed building near Dammtor train station was chosen as the Main Building of the Universit\u00e4t Hamburg. Edmund Siemers had gifted the building to the city in 1911. This act cemented his place in the university’s history.
The Universit\u00e4t Hamburg’s Hauptgeb\u00e4ude was designed by Hermann Distel and August Grubitz. Its architecture blends Neoclassical and Baroque elements. The rough-cast facade gives it a unique character. It resembles a pavilion with its low height. The building is a modern construction made of reinforced concrete.
Look closely at the facade. Twelve pairs of columns create a colonnade at the main entrance. Above the door, you’ll see the University’s motto. It states: Der Forschung Der Lehre Der Bildung. This translates to “To research, to teach, to educate and form.” These words encapsulate the university’s core mission.
Over the years, the Universit\u00e4t Hamburg Hauptgeb\u00e4ude has expanded. The West and East Wings were added. Folker Schneehage designed these additions. The Dr. Helmut and Hannelore Greve Foundation funded their construction. These wings house various institutes. Among them are the Asien-Afrika-Institut and the Kunstgeschichtlichen Seminars library.
Seven lecture halls inside the Main Building bear the names of scholars. They were driven from the University by the National Socialists. This serves as a reminder of a dark chapter in history. The university is committed to remembering and honoring these individuals.
Today, the Universit\u00e4t Hamburg Hauptgeb\u00e4ude stands as a symbol. It represents Hamburg’s dedication to knowledge. It embodies the pursuit of research, teaching, and education. As you stand here, consider the countless students and faculty. They have passed through its doors. They contribute to the intellectual vibrancy of this institution. The Universit\u00e4t Hamburg remains a cornerstone of Hamburg’s identity.