“Shopping haven or historical landmark?” That question might cross your mind as you approach the Weimar Atrium. It stands on ground with a complex past.
The Weimar Atrium is a shopping center on the northern edge of Weimar’s inner city. It opened in November 2005. The Weimar Atrium welcomes many visitors daily. Around 16,354 people visit the Weimar Atrium each day.
But there is more to the Weimar Atrium. The Weimar Atrium was built on the site of the unfinished Halle der Volksgemeinschaft. This hall was planned as part of the Gauforum Weimar. The Nazis envisioned it as a massive space. Here, they would indoctrinate the “Volksgemeinschaft” to Adolf Hitler.
Construction started in 1937. However, work stopped in 1944 during World War II. The steel skeleton stood incomplete. It served as a memorial until 1969.
In 1973, construction started to convert the structure into a “Mehrzweckgebäude” (MZG). This translates to multi-purpose building. The concrete facade was completed in 1976. Various businesses used the MZG for storage and production. Even the state-wide “Exquisit” warehouse was located here. A small bowling alley existed in the basement.
After the German reunification, the MZG continued to house offices and storage. Then in 2004, the transformation into the Weimar Atrium began. It opened as a shopping center in 2005. Today, only the prestressed concrete beams in the roof remind us of its past.
The Weimar Atrium boasts 16,000 square meters of retail space. It houses 54 shops. Parking is ample with 800 spaces in the underground garage. The first hour is free.
Today, the Weimar Atrium offers a modern shopping experience. Yet, it also stands as a reminder of Weimar’s complex history. It bridges the gap between past and present. The Weimar Atrium combines commerce and historical awareness.