The Deutsches Buchgewerbehaus (German Book Trade House) in Leipzig, also known as the Bugra Exhibition Centre (die Bezeichnung Messehaus Bugra), was an important centre for the book trade in Germany. Built between 1898 and 1901 to a design by Swedish architect Emil Hagberg, the building was distinguished by its neo-Renaissance architecture and its centrepiece was the Gutenberg Hall, an impressive space designed to host a variety of events and a memorial to the famous printer. The building was severely damaged during the bombing of the city during World War II. It was only recently restored to its full splendour during a comprehensive reconstruction.
The Deutsches Buchgewerbehaus in Leipzig, which opened in 1901, soon became a cultural and exhibition centre, hosting annual displays of new publications and exhibitions on the history of books and printing presses. In 1938, with the Gutenberg Exhibition in the Reich planned for 1940, the building was expanded by Curt Schiemichen, allowing for a permanent exhibition on the history of the book. Since then, the venue has gained popularity as the Bugra-Messehaus, or Bugra Market House.
The building on a postcard from the early 20th century. Photo: http://www.zeno.org/Ansichtskarten/M/Leipzig, Sachsen
The building was severely damaged during an air raid on Leipzig on 4 December 1943. After the war, the building was rebuilt in a simplified form and once again became an exhibition centre. However, the Gutenberg Hall was destroyed and all that remains on the outer façade is a bay window that formerly housed a statue of the creator of the world’s first industrial printing method, for which movable type was used.
In the following years, the building gradually declined in importance and was finally abandoned in 1991, when the Gutenbergkeller restaurant operating in its cellars was closed. It was not until 2015-2018 that a comprehensive renovation of the building was carried out, restoring it to its former glory. At that time, architectural details that had been damaged during the war were restored, including roofs, gables and windows, and the richly decorated bay window was renewed. Some 1,000 square metres of sandstone decoration were also restored and reconstructed in accordance with the original, including ca. 150 bas-reliefs and other ornaments. The cost of the restoration of the entire complex, including the neighbouring Schiemichen building, was more than €50 million.
Today, the Deutsches Buchgewerbehaus serves a residential function, but its restored façade and historical details are a reminder of the site’s former glory as an important centre of the German publishing industry.
Source: bildlexikon-leipzig.de, veikkos-archiv.com
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