Founded in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus is hailed as the 20th century’s most influential school for design, architecture, and art. Its revolutionary approach emphasized functionality, simplicity, and the integration of fine arts with applied arts. Let’s delve into the Bauhaus heritage across Germany:
1. Weimar: Birthplace of the Architectural Avant-Garde
- Weimar, known as the “Classic City” shaped by Goethe and Schiller, witnessed the birth of the Bauhaus movement.
- Walter Gropius challenged classical architecture by uniting the Kunsthochschule and Kunsthandwerkschule, marking a design revolution.
- Notable sites in Weimar include:
- Musterhaus am Horn: Restored and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it showcases Bauhaus ideals.
- Bauhaus Museum Weimar: Home to Gropius-curated workshop creations.
2. Dessau-Rosslau: Global Recognition for Saxony-Anhalt
- Dessau, where the Bauhaus thrived between 1925 and 1932, boasts iconic landmarks:
- Bauhaus Building: Designed by Gropius, it’s a milestone of modernist architecture.
- Masters’ Houses: Residences of luminaries like Oskar Schlemmer and Wassily Kandinsky.
- Bauhaus Museum Dessau: Over 1,000 exhibits under its new roof.
3. Berlin and Bernau: Intriguing Buildings and Extensive Museums
- The Bauhaus School moved to Berlin in 1932 due to Nazi persecution.
- Explore intriguing sites:
- Weissenhof Estate (Stuttgart): A showcase of modernist architecture.
- Fagus Factory (Alfeld-Hannover): A glass-encased shoe last factory.
- Usedom Island: Three hours from Berlin, it offers a unique Baltic Sea experience.
4. Other Notable Locations
- Stuttgart: Visit the Weissenhof Estate, a testament to Bauhaus innovation.
- Lower Saxony: Explore the Fagus Factory, a masterpiece of functional design.
The Bauhaus legacy lives on, inspiring generations of artists, architects, and dreamers.
