Projects of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Free State of Thuringia, represented by the State Chancellery of Thuringia, Department of Culture and the Arts.
As part of its 2025 State Tourism Strategy, Thuringia has made ERDF funding available to create so-called “Erlebnisportale” at sites of high touristic significance. These visitor centres are supposed to highlight the diversity and beauty of Thuringia’s cultural landscape and encourage the public to visit many other interesting locations. As part of this project, an exciting new building is being erected in the courtyard of the Study Centre of the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek (HAAB).
The modern building will be temporarily situated between the two gatehouses in the Coudray Wall facing the park which connects the historical ensemble of the Red Castle, Yellow Castle and New Guardhouse. Its facade will be visible from afar thanks to its audaciously extended wall front. Its bright birch-bark veneer serves as both a modern decorative element against a historical backdrop and a stage upon which visitors can present themselves. Via a staircase in the courtyard of the Study Centre, visitors will be able to ascend to the viewing platform from which they can enjoy the view of the Park on the Ilm, the Herzogin Anna Amalia Bibliothek and the City Castle – while being “front and centre” in their own guest performance.
The building is constructed with massive plywood boards (i.e. made of renewable resources). The individual walls and ceiling modules will be prefabricated and assembled at the building site within several days. The unusual facade, created from sheaths of birch bark, emphasises the temporary character of the building. At the same time, it makes indirect reference to a historical structure in the Park on the Ilm which had originally been intended as a temporary retreat – the Bark Hut.
Inside the building on two gigantic video walls, visitors will be able to view seven short films featuring selected touristic destinations in Thuringia. Seven corresponding audio clips will serve to accompany them there. The “Erlebnisportal” is scheduled to open in July 2021 and will remain at this location for the next five years.
In the new building "Erlebnisportal Weimar", which will open on 17 Jul 2021, visitors can go on an interactive journey of discovery in Thuringia.
Planning: since December 2019
Start of construction: November 2020
Opening: July 2021
This project is financed with ERDF funding provided by the Free State of Thuringia.
Architektin: Helga Blocksdorf | Architektur, Berlin
Ausstellungsgestaltung: whitebox GbR, Dresden
Tragwerksplanung: Pichler Ingenieure GmbH, Berlin
Haustechnikplanung: b.i.g. bechtold ingenieurgesellschaft mbH Weimar
Projects of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Free State of Thuringia, represented by the State Chancellery of Thuringia, Department of Culture and the Arts.