Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau

The serial UNESCO World Heritage site “Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau” comprises a collection of buildings that represent the birth of Classical Modernism and the revolutionary design philosophy of the Bauhaus school. Founded by Walter Gropius in 1919, the school functioned only until 1933 but fundamentally redefined 20th-century art, architecture, and design by merging craftsmanship with industrial aesthetics.

The heritage property consists of six distinct sites spanning three cities:

Weimar:
- Bauhaus University Buildings: Originally the Grand-Ducal Saxon Schools of Arts and Crafts, redesigned by Henry van de Velde.
- Haus am Horn: A model residential house designed for the first Bauhaus exhibition in 1923, showcasing the school’s approach to housing design.
Dessau:
- Bauhaus Building: The iconic landmark designed by Gropius, functioning as the school’s main campus from 1925 to 1932.
- Masters’ Houses: A complex of seven semi-detached houses for the school’s leading artists, including Klee and Kandinsky.
- Dessau-Törten Housing Estate: A suburban social housing development demonstrating functional design on a large scale.
Bernau:
- ADGB Trade Union School: Designed by Hannes Meyer, this complex showcases functionalism tailored to educational and social needs.

Attraction

Tourists, particularly enthusiasts of architecture and design, are drawn to these sites to:

Experience “Built Manifestos”: Visitors can enter the spaces where pioneering architects like Gropius and Mies van der Rohe practiced their “less is more” philosophy.
Study Functionalism: The sites offer a tangible look at how early 20th-century designers tackled social housing and urban planning issues.
See Original Designs: Major museums in Weimar and Dessau exhibit original Bauhaus furniture, textiles, and prototypes that influenced modern consumer goods.

Heritage

Inscribed by UNESCO in 1996, with extensions in 2017, the site is recognized based on three criteria:

Criterion (ii): The sites represent an avant-garde concept directed towards a radical renewal of architecture and design, with widespread international influence.
Criterion (iv): They are fundamental representatives of Classical Modernism, representing the 20th century.
Criterion (vi): The school is the birthplace of the Modern Movement, which revolutionized artistic thinking and practice.

Gateway

Because the sites are spread across central Germany, travelers need a strategic starting point.

Gateway 1: Berlin: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the closest international airport. Bernau is a short commuter train ride from Berlin, and Dessau can be reached in about 1.5–2 hours by train.
Gateway 2: Leipzig: Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) is another option, located approximately 1 hour by train from Dessau and 1.5 hours from Weimar.
Lodging: Both Berlin and Leipzig offer comprehensive lodging options, while Dessau and Weimar have specialized Bauhaus-themed hotels and guesthouses.

When

Spring (April to June): Pleasant weather for walking between the Masters’ Houses in Dessau or exploring the parks in Weimar.
Autumn (September to October): Offers comfortable temperatures and stunning foliage in the surrounding areas.
Tip: If visiting for specialized conferences or festivals, check the official Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau calendar.

Consideration

Travel Time: The sites are not in the same city. Plan for at least 2–3 days to comfortably visit the key locations in all three cities.
Guided Tours: Access to certain areas of the Bauhaus Building and the Masters’ Houses is only possible with a guided tour. Book these well in advance.
Transportation: While train connections are good, renting a car may be more efficient if you want to visit all sites in one trip.
Operating Hours: Sites have distinct opening hours, and some are closed on Mondays.

Resources

UNESCO – Bauhaus World Heritage Site: The official page outlining the historical significance and management plan.
Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau: The official foundation site for booking tours, checking operating hours, and exhibition information.
Visit Weimar: The city’s tourism site for exploring the Haus am Horn and university campus.
Germany Travel: Provides comprehensive logistics on train travel and regional tourism.
Martin Randall Travel: Offers specialized, expert-led cultural tours of the Bauhaus sites.