Further development of the concept for a Jena Kunsthaus
Two locations are recommended by the steering group
Mayor Thomas Nitzsche will present a draft resolution from the city administration at the upcoming city council meeting on 23.02.2022. This will summarize the interim results of the specially appointed "Kunsthaus" steering group.
A comprehensive list of criteria was drawn up in a total of seven meetings and four locations were ultimately evaluated. As a result, the locations Generatorenhalle/Areal Straßenbahndepot and Imaginata received the highest ratings. The steering group will recommend these two locations for a future Jena Kunsthaus to the city council.
Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche summarizes the process to date:
Jena is continuing on its successful path with the Kunsthaus steering group: a workable compromise is emerging from dissent through detailed and determined discussions. The project to establish an art museum in Jena, which has existed for over 100 years, now has a good basis for further development.
Together, we will make every effort to resolve outstanding issues step by step. This will take time and require substantial financial resources. We are dependent on support here to ensure that the Kunsthaus can meet expectations. I would like to thank everyone on the committee for the work they have done so far, the wealth of ideas and the time they have given. Special mention should be made of moderator Jonas Zipf and organizer Martin Fischer.
Background: Who is involved in the "Kunsthaus" steering group?
The committee is made up of 13 people. They come from the city council, Friedrich Schiller University, the art and architecture scene and the administration. Members of political committees were elected from among their number and delegated to the steering group, external experts and representatives of the associations were consulted and employees of the administration were appointed to the committee. Jonas Zipf, Head of JenaKultur, and Martin Fischer from Central Process and Project Management were responsible for the content and moderation.
The steering group's work to date: intensive consultations on possible locations
In a total of seven meetings, the group examined various facets of the location discussion. In sometimes controversial, but always objective and respectful discussions, the participants approached the goal of a coordinated result in workshops and sessions. In addition to the question of location, which was a particular focus, the operation and financing of an art museum was also widely discussed.
Eleven potential locations were named in an initial identification phase. In the course of the discussion about these development sites, two alternative paths to an art museum emerged: On the one hand, the iconographic potential and the identificatory radiance of a new building in the sense of a longed-for "Bilbao effect" - on the other hand, the specific conceptual potential and the projected sustainability of an industrial-historical conversion in the sense of a feasible operational synergy effect; on the one hand, a compelling focus on results in view of the existing timelines at central locations with a simultaneously tight municipal budget situation in the short and medium term - on the other hand, an open process orientation in view of the development opportunities possible at decentralized locations with medium and long-term financial perspectives arising from this process. As a result, four of the original eleven locations were subjected to a more intensive review.
Broad catalog of criteria enables neutral evaluation of locations
As the discussions progressed, a list of criteria was drawn up, which was used to evaluate four locations that proved to be practicable. This concerned
- the generator hall/tram depot site,
- the Eichplatz site, Baufeld B,
- the Imaginata and
- the Engelplatz parking lot (theater forecourt).
As a result, the locations Generatorenhalle/Areal Straßenbahndepot - with 83 out of a possible 100 points - and the Imaginata (71 points) received the highest ratings. The Engelplatz parking lot followed with 69 points and finally Eichplatz came in fourth place with 63 points.
It should be emphasized that the streetcar depot and Imaginata locations, where a conversion of the existing industrial history buildings in favour of the Kunsthaus is being considered, were rated significantly more favourably than the purely new-build locations.
Prerequisites for the successful operation of an art museum must be considered
The steering group believes that three things are essential for the successful operation of an art museum in Jena:
- A permanent and adequate endowment based on the artistically and economically independent value of the existing collection;
- an operationally agile and economically resilient structure;
- an attractive and trustworthy earmarking for third-party donations.
Irrespective of the path-dependent determination by the city council required in the present draft resolution, either for a new building or a conversion to an industrial history building, the steering group therefore recommends the establishment of a new foundation with independent legal capacity for the purpose of operating and maintaining an art museum in Jena.
Voices on the project
Mayor Christian Gerlitz
Mayor Christian Gerlitz emphasizes the impetus for urban development:
An art house would contribute to a further, long-awaited increase in the attractiveness of Jena as a science and technology location. As Mayor and Head of the Department for Urban Development and the Environment, the compatible combination of new and existing buildings worthy of preservation is particularly important to me. I therefore consider the location of an art museum in a building that is steeped in history for Jena itself to be the ideal solution.
Prof. Verena Krieger, holder of the Chair of Art History at Friedrich Schiller University
Prof. Verena Krieger, Chair of Art History at Friedrich Schiller University, comments on the project and the work of the steering group:
Better no Kunsthaus than a purely pragmatic, provincial project. Jena does not need a Bilbao effect, but an ambitious and sustainable solution that does justice to its character as a university and industrial location. The conversion of an industrial building could be the ideal solution. The transformer station and old streetcar depot complex not only has historical charm, but also the advantage of being within walking distance on the edge of the city center. This offers the opportunity of a perceived and actual expansion of the city center - and that would be good for Jena.
Heidrun Schrade, initiator of "Ein Kunsthaus für Jena e. V."
Heidrun Schrade, initiator of "Ein Kunsthaus für Jena e. V.", adds:
'The discussion about a suitable location for an art house in Jena was conducted with great seriousness and a noteworthy consensus was found. As a representative of the "Ein KUNSTHAUS für JENA e. V." association, I support the location at the streetcar depot favored by the majority, as this would go a long way towards achieving our goal of contributing to the revitalization of the city center with an art museum. Many art lovers already have fond memories of the location as an exhibition venue. A conversion of the building complex would strengthen the periphery of the city center.
Architect Prof. Jórunn Ragnarsdóttir
Architect Prof. Jórunn Ragnarsdóttir writes about the committee's findings:
'An art house is more than a shell for art. With generous open space and a wide range of offers for the citizens of the city (operator concept), the aim was to create a meeting place for EVERYONE. The streetcar depot is already anchored in the memory of the city of Jena. The uniqueness of the location is an ideal starting point for strong identification by the citizens. The city should stand by its special features. In terms of sustainability, the transformation of an existing building would send a positive signal to the world. The conversion of an existing building can be communicated very well, especially if it succeeds in formulating a new impulse in the neighborhood.