What if walls could talk? The Verwaltungshochhaus in Erfurt has seen governments rise and fall.
This is the Verwaltungshochhaus. Locals affectionately call it “Eierkiste” meaning egg crate. It is more than just a building. It stands as a silent witness to Erfurt’s dynamic past.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Erfurt in the aftermath of World War II. The city was rebuilding. Thuringia needed a new seat of government. The Verwaltungshochhaus emerged from this need.
Architects Egon Hartmann, Hartmut Schaub and Heinrich Weiß designed it. Construction took place in 1950 and 1951. The building is ten stories high. It was built using traditional brick construction.
Initially, the Verwaltungshochhaus housed the Thuringian State Government. In 1948, the government had moved from Weimar to Erfurt. The Verwaltungshochhaus became its home.
However, Thuringia was dissolved in 1952. The district of Erfurt was created. The district’s administration then occupied the Verwaltungshochhaus. It remained there until 1990.
After German reunification, the building became an office building. It is part of the Thuringian State Parliament complex today. Renovations occurred until 1999. A historic paternoster lift was removed during this time. It was considered a technical monument.
The Verwaltungshochhaus was controversial during its construction. Some critics accused the architects of formalism. Despite this, it became the first high-rise building in Erfurt. It is now a protected monument. Other Thuringian cities had high-rises much earlier. For example, Jena had one built in 1915.
The Verwaltungshochhaus has a unique story. It reflects Erfurt’s journey through different political systems. It is a landmark that quietly narrates the city’s history. The Verwaltungshochhaus stands as a testament to Erfurt’s resilience. It is a reminder of its architectural evolution.