Germany
The protection of historical monuments, the preservation of historic building stock, and education are the prevalent objectives in accordance with the statutes of the Citizens Association (Bürgerverein). Aiming at bringing the historic values of the architecture of the 19th century close to the young people, the inhabitants of Leipzig, and to the guests of the city the association intends communicating both the Zeitgeist (spirit of time) and the economic and political attendant circumstances of the period of time between 1860 and 1914.
The most prominent buildings of the part of town concerned and Leipzig as a whole came into being and were in the process of development at this time. Parallel to the aforementioned aims it is intended to explain and emphasize the enormous achievements resulting from the profound and intelligent urban regeneration and redevelopment of this particular building stock after 1989. A planned partnership with different European cities having similar building stock is to be reinforced, too.
The project “Gründerzeit” (the second half of the 19th century, a period of rapid industrialization) is to help and serve as an effective means to promote and support gentle – eco – and sustainable tourism in Leipzig. It is being complemented by a regular arrangement of district tours/walks, written publications, and district street parties.
These activities resulted in the fact that several historic collections as permanent loan for planned exhibitions were already placed at the NGO`s disposal.
The project is supported by a panel of experts composed of members of the town council (representing culture, protection of historic building stock, urban development) and representatives of the political and parliamentary groups of the municipal council. Furthermore, this project is also backed by ´Museum of the History of the Town`, tourist association, by highly qualified specialists from various Leipzig colleges and the University of Leipzig as well as by artists, architects and inhabitants of the district.