What if I told you that a bequest from the 17th century led to the creation of a school we now know as the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden? This is not just any school. It is a place steeped in history. The Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden has seen many changes throughout the years.
Let’s delve into the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden’s past. Rudolph Vitzthum von Apolda left a sum of money in 1639 for a school’s founding. It took almost two centuries for his vision to materialize. In 1828, the Vitzthum’sches Familien Gymnasium was established. It was connected to Karl Justus Blochmann’s educational institution. The school was initially located in the Großen Plauischen Gasse.
The Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden became independent in 1861. Karl Friedrich Scheibe was the first rector. The school was then named Vitzthumsches Gymnasium. The city of Dresden took ownership in 1897. The school moved to a new building on Dippoldiswalder Gasse in 1904. This was a time of growth for the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden.
However, the school faced hardship during World War II. In 1944, the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden had to relocate to the Wettinschule. The building served as a military hospital. Both the Wettinschule and the original school building were destroyed in the bombing raids of 1945. The Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden suffered greatly.
Despite the destruction, the spirit of the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden lived on. After the war, the school found a new home in the Paradiesstraße. In 1994, it was officially renamed Vitzthum-Gymnasium. Former students played a key role in this renaming. They wanted to honor the school’s legacy.
The Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden moved again in 2007. It occupied the buildings of the Fritz-Löffler-Gymnasium. A new building was constructed on Paradiesstraße. In 2010, the school celebrated its reopening there. The event was called “Einzug ins Paradies.”
Today, the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden offers various programs. These include artistic, scientific, and social science profiles. The school emphasizes tradition, values, and community. It encourages students to explore, create, and be tolerant.
Victor Klemperer once observed an Abitur exam here. He described the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden as somewhat feudal but also praised the students’ knowledge. The Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden has a long list of notable alumni. They include diplomats, politicians, and scientists. The Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden continues to shape future generations.
As we stand here, remember the journey of the Vitzthum-Gymnasium Dresden. It started with a vision and overcame many obstacles. The school remains a vital part of Dresden’s educational landscape. Its motto is “Ältestes bewahrt mit Treue, freundlich aufgefasstes Neue.” This means “Keeping the oldest with loyalty, kindly grasping the new.”