After the destruction in World War II, the Gürzenich Cologne was rebuilt within six years and ceremoniously reopened on October 2, 1955 – exactly 70 years ago.
During World War II, British and American bombers reduced Cologne to rubble. Not only was the cathedral severely damaged, the Gürzenich was also hit. Only the outer walls remained intact. However, as early as 1948, the people of Cologne decided to rebuild their “parlour.”
On October 2, 1955, after six years of reconstruction, the Gürzenich was ceremoniously reopened. Konrad Adenauer gave an opening speech in which he explicitly emphasized that the festive and representative Gürzenich was also meant to be used for Carnival. The Gürzenich was intended not only to unite the old with the new but also sorrow with joy. The people of Cologne took their mayor at his word. Then, as now, Carnival shows and balls are among the most popular events.
The Gürzenich was originally built between 1441 and 1447. At the time, it served as a municipal trading hall and venue for celebrations hosted by emperors and citizens. It later became the most important and popular event location in Cologne. The first Carnival ball was held in the Gürzenich as early as 1824. Starting in 1857, the Cölner Concert Society held its concert series of the Gürzenich Orchestra there.
When the Gürzenich Orchestra moved into the newly opened Philharmonie in 1986, new uses had to be found for the Gürzenich. In 1994, the specially founded KölnKongress GmbH (now Koelncongress GmbH) took over the operation of the venue. This was followed by a modernization phase that largely preserved the historic structure.
Emperors, queens and kings have visited the Gürzenich, as have heads of state and celebrities from the arts and culture. The Cologne Summit Days in June 1999 – no fewer than six high-level political events – brought the Gürzenich into the international spotlight. Within just a few days, it hosted meetings of the European Council, the foreign ministers of the G8 countries, the heads of state and government of the G7 nations, as well as several special sessions focused on resolving the Kosovo conflict.
The listed Gürzenich has not lost any of its longstanding tradition as a festive venue by and for the people of Cologne. Throughout its long history, it has been – and still remains – “Cologne’s front parlour” and one of the most prestigious event venues in Europe.
Here you will find more information about the Gürzenich.