Bauhaus Centenary Sparks Political Controversy in Germany
As the Bauhaus movement approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025, it has become a focal point in German political discussions leading up to the elections on February 23. Established in 1919 by Walter Gropius in Weimar, the institution relocated to Dessau in 1925 and was shut down by the Nazis in 1933, deemed "degenerate art." Thomas Tillschneider from the far-right AfD party has called for a "critical examination" of Bauhaus during the anniversary festivities scheduled for September 2025. The AfD, which enjoys approximately 20% support in the area, condemns Bauhaus for its promotion of "frightful ugliness." In response, Barbara Steiner of the Bauhaus Foundation Dessau defended its legacy. The centenary events are set for September 4 to 7, featuring a new composition by Piero Mottola.
Key facts
- Bauhaus was founded by Walter Gropius in 1919 in Weimar.
- The school moved to Dessau in 1925 due to political pressures.
- Nazi regime closed Bauhaus in 1933, labeling it 'degenerate art'.
- AfD deputy Thomas Tillschneider petitioned for critical examination of Bauhaus centenary.
- AfD criticizes Bauhaus for 'frightful ugliness' and communist ideology.
- Barbara Steiner defended Bauhaus housing as providing modern amenities.
- Centenary program 'To the Core. Bauhaus Dessau 100' runs throughout 2025.
- Opening days are September 4-7, 2025, with performances and exhibitions.
- Piero Mottola is composing 'Voices of Bauhaus' for the centenary.
- Over 100,000 visitors annually to Dessau's Bauhaus sites.
Entities
Artists
- Walter Gropius
- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
- Wassily Kandinsky
- László Moholy-Nagy
- Oskar Schlemmer
- Piero Mottola
- Paul Schultze-Naumburg
- Fritz Ertl
- Barbara Steiner
- Thomas Tillschneider
Institutions
- Bauhaus
- Alternative für Deutschland (AfD)
- Bauhaus Foundation Dessau
- Bauhaus Museum
- Saxony-Anhalt parliament
Locations
- Weimar
- Dessau
- Berlin
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Germany
- Boston
- Stuttgart
- Baden Baden
- Auschwitz