PAULSKIRCHE

SEP 7, 2019 – FEB 16, 2020

A collaboration by the Deutsches Architekturmuseum  and the Wüstenrot Foundation

In the hope that Frankfurt would become the new German capital, the Paulskirche was reconstructed as a potential seat for the parliament in 1947-8, having been severely damaged by bombing raids. Under the leadership of Rudolf Schwarz, a consciously plain space was developed to represent the admission of guilt and the democratic new beginning. In the meantime, the Paulskirche has become a ceremonial hall that has prompted nationwide debate, yet whose architectural quality is seldom acknowledged.

The exhibition outlines the history of its construction and rebuilding from 1786 to today in parallel with the relevant political and social trends. Numerous historical and current photos are displayed, along with design drawings from the DAM’s collection. Particular attention is paid to the renovations in the 1960s and 1980s, along with the discussions that accompanied these, which were not long ago resurfacing in light of the approaching renovation work with calls for restoration of the church to its pre-war state.

Paulskirche –
A political story of architecture