Wismar celebrates the return of the legendary mayor's portrait!

Wismar celebrates the return of the legendary mayor's portrait!

On July 2, 2025, the portrait of the famous Wismar mayor Anton Johann Friedrich Haupt was ceremoniously re-hung in the Citizens' Hall. How NDR Reportedly, the painting was damaged in a misguided incident in September 2024, when a graduate from the distance learning provider Wings accidentally threw his mortarboard against the canvas. The subsequent repair of the work of art cost 4,000 euros, which was less than the originally estimated amount of 4,500 euros; Fortunately, the organizer's insurance covered the costs.

The picture, which has been in its place since 1992, has an estimated value of 12,000 euros. Although the repair has been completed, the canvas still shows a prominent crack, which has been closed and retouched but remains visible. This counterpart to Haupt's important legacy is now being presented again in the Citizens' Hall, where it revives the history of the former mayor.

A look at Anton Haupt's legacy

Anton Haupt, also known as the Elder, was a formative mayor of Wismar. He came from a respected family whose ancestors had numerous clergy and councilors for generations. His father, Gabriel Haupt, was a senator in 1808 and the city's syndic in 1814, which solidified the family's political tradition. Little is known about Anton Haupt's childhood, but it was characterized by love and kindness. He excelled as a student and passed his school leaving examination in 1817 before beginning to study law at the University of Jena.

Haupt was active in the fraternity and took part in the Wartburg Festival, which earned him house arrest because of his political activities. In 1823 he finally became a council member and in 1826 he was elected mayor. During his term in office he implemented numerous reforms, created the first municipal hospital in Wismar and vehemently campaigned for social improvements.

Current developments in Wismar

Wismar's citizens have recently also dealt with other important issues. 27 old statutes had to be renewed. The city is also planning to build a new school in the musicians' quarter, which will cost around 44 million euros.

But it's not just structural changes that are on the agenda; There are also discussions in the area of ​​animal protection. Animal rights activists warn about the consequences of cannon shots during ship departures, which endanger breeding seagulls. Despite these concerns, the citizens want to hold on to traditional practice, thereby showing how the connection between history and the present shapes Wismar.

For the curious among the readers: If you want to find out more about the historical background of the city, you can take a look Archive of the Hanseatic City of Wismar throw. This historical memory of the city not only preserves sacred and secular documents, but is also involved in educational work and offers a comprehensive collection of literature and historical records.