Restoration of the Prälatenhaus Meissen

The Prälatenhaus, originally built between 1509 and 1510 with characteristic late Gothic gable and wall paintings is one of the oldest structures in Meißen. Many of its original architectural elements have remained intact over the years. Until 2015, the preservation of the building was managed under an agreement with the curatorium "Rettet Meißen jetzt e. V.". However, financial difficulties, including the loss of funding due to budgetary constraints, lead to the city ultimately deciding to take over the project to ensure the building’s future. Due to the exceptional cultural significance of the building, the Lower Monument Protection Authority and the Saxon State Office for Monument Preservation were extensively involved in the project.

For many residents of Meißen, preserving the Prälatenhaus was a matter of honour. Architects, building researchers, and conservationists have worked extensively to save the historic site, which was once listed for demolition at the end of the GDR era. The building near the Meißner Fummelplatz is considered one of the most significant secular structures in Saxony. Its late Gothic design, featuring striking brick gables rising from the façade, is a notable architectural feature, while the interior showcases elaborate wall and ceiling paintings. Although the pandemic hit just as the project was about to start in earnest the city council eventually held onto their plans for the Prälatenhaus. And their courage paid off: the projected drop in tax receipts due to corona lockdowns - luckily - did not come true for Meißen and construction works finally began in January 2022.

The renovation was primarily focused on preserving the valuable historical structure while enabling people to safely visit and experience this historic site. However, the cultural monument was renovated in its final construction phase to make it functional and integrate it into the overall concept of Meißen as a "City of Ceramics and Porcelain." This involved the careful restoration and strengthening of the building’s structural elements and the preparation of rooms and sanitary facilities in the side building for seminar and workshop use. The aim was to transform the Prälatenhaus into a lively, diverse public space dedicated to porcelain and ceramics. It is intended to serve as the headquarters of the Porcelain Commission while also providing exhibition space for porcelain and ceramic artworks, as well as the hosting of seminars and workshops. Additionally, it will become a fixed part of themed city tours, allowing tourists and other visitors to learn about Meißen’s centuries-old tradition.

The restoration of the Prälatenhaus ensured its structural stability while contrbuting to the city' cultural heritage. It also facilitated the integration of the building into the city’s cultural landscape, making it accessible to the public through exhibitions and workshops. By incorporating the Prälatenhaus into the overarching concept of Meißen as a porcelain and ceramic hub, the initiative contributed to tourism and local identity.

The Prälatenhaus project demonstrates how cultural heritage can be revitalized through EU funding, expert collaboration, and public engagement. Other cities seeking to preserve their historic buildings and integrate them into modern urban life. The project benefitted from involving local experts in architecture and restoration as well as ensuring public engagement through cultural programming. An overarching holistic approach, where heritage sites become active parts of the community rather than mere monuments can be recommended. The project successfully combined heritage conservation with cultural and economic development. By integrating historical sites into broader urban development plans, cities can enhance cultural tourism and strengthen their local economies effectively in the long run. The strong collaboration with heritage protection authorities, in addition to securing diverse financial support, as well as ensuring flexible usage models can serve other cities as an inspiration.

https://www.stadt-meissen.de/de/datei/anzeigen/id/24490,24/flyer_efre_barrierefrei.pdf