Buddenbrookhaus will remain closed until 2030: What's behind the delays?

Buddenbrookhaus will remain closed until 2030: What's behind the delays?

The Buddenbrookhaus in Lübeck remains closed for the time being and is not expected to open its doors to visitors again until 2030. Originally, the reopening should have been set for 2025, but due to extensive renovation work and unexpected protests, the date has already been postponed to 2029 and is now being reconsidered stern.de reported.

The director of the house, Carmen Heuer, is in the middle of planning to convert the museum into a modern venue. An expansion is planned to include the neighboring building at Mengstrasse 6, which was acquired by the federal government in 2011. This redesign is intended to provide additional exhibition space as well as office and seminar rooms and also marks the 30th anniversary of the museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Mann family of writers. Interestingly, over 90% of visitors do not come from Lübeck, which speaks for the national importance of the house.

Cultural support and challenges

The state of Schleswig-Holstein has promised around 19.1 million euros in funding for the extensive construction work. This corresponds to around 70% of the total construction cost, but the support was temporarily in jeopardy because the replanning, which called into question the historic cellar vaults, significantly affected the original plans. Important decisions, such as foregoing the breakthrough of a cellar vault in favor of a staircase, were made due to protests from monument protection initiatives that insisted on preserving the historical character - a point that also concerned the citizens of Lübeck. The Lübeck museums report that the citizens will be informed about the current status of the construction work on August 31st.

Of course, the need to baronize the historic cellar is a hotly debated topic. Despite the resistance, those responsible are working on a solution that balances both the preservation of important cultural and historical aspects and the modernization of the house. According to Dr. Birte Lipinski, the museum director, believes this project is of great importance and receives broad political support, which underlines the legitimacy of cultural funding in Schleswig-Holstein. The state promotes in accordance with legal requirements and ensures the professionalization and further development of the cultural infrastructure in the state.

More space for art and culture

When the work is completed, the Buddenbrookhaus will not only offer a larger exhibition space, but will also be more barrier-free, which is particularly important for art education and the museum's educational offerings. The neighboring Behnhaus is currently also affected by renovation work, which is scheduled to reopen on November 1st and houses fine art from the 19th century and classical modernism.

How the plans will progress remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Buddenbrookhaus will continue to be an important part of Lübeck's cultural landscape in the future - with the potential to attract visitors from near and far. The challenges on the way to implementation are complex, but the captivating spirit of the Mann family will continue to live within the walls of this unique home.