Description
The Hundertwasser House in Magdeburg, also known as the "Green Citadel", is the last completed project by artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. His goal was to bring architecture, people and nature into harmony. For this reason, the Hundertwasser House features trees, so-called "tree tenants" and flower meadows on the roofs and ramps.
The individually and creatively designed building in Magdeburg houses a hotel, a kindergarten, flats, medical centres and offices. The inner courtyards invite visitors to stroll and linger with shops and cafés. The Green Citadel also has its own theatre, which can seat up to 250 guests. It is the only theatre in the world that is located in a Hundertwasser building. The premises can also be used for cultural events, seminars, conferences, exhibitions and celebrations.
Guided tours
You can visit the Hundertwasser House on a public guided tour and learn everything about the construction of the building, from the laying of the foundation stone to its completion. During your tour around the building and through selected interior areas, you will also learn about the architectural concerns of the Austrian artist, exemplary for all of Hundertwasser's buildings.
Historical Information
Friedensreich Hundertwasser was born in Vienna on 15 December 1928 and, in addition to painting, has devoted himself increasingly to architecture since the 1950s. The idea for the Hundertwasser House in Magdeburg came about thanks to the initiative of the housing association, which in 1998 wanted to have Hundertwasser redesign a prefabricated slab building. The plan for a conversion turned into a new concept.
In 2003, Hundertwasser's dream became reality with the official sod-turning ceremony three years after his death. Until shortly before his death, the artist had been working on the plans for the Green Citadel of Magdeburg and had completed the planning to such an extent that the architectural project could be realised even without him present. In 2005, the construction of the Austrian's last fully conceived and realised building was finally completed.
How to get there
By public transport
The Hundertwasser House is only about 800 metres from Magdeburg's main railway station. It takes about 10 minutes on foot.
The tram stop "Leiterstraße" is located in front of the Green Citadel and is served by lines 2, 5, 9 and 10.
By car
Coming from Berlin, take the A2 motorway towards Hanover and follow it to exit 70-Magdeburg-Zentrum. Continue on the B189 and B71 until you reach the B1 exit towards Cityring Nord/Zentrum-Nord and turn left onto the B1/Albert-Vater-Straße. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Erzbergerstraße. After about one kilometre, turn left onto Ernst-Reuter Allee. After 300 metres turn right onto Breiter Weg. The Green Citadel is on the left-hand side.
You can park your car in one of the two multistory car parks in the immediate vicinity of the Hundertwasser House.