Stiftung Frauenkirche Dresden

Stiftung Frauenkirche Dresden. The Stiftung Frauenkirche Dresden is a non-profit foundation established in 1994 to oversee the reconstruction and enduring legacy of the Frauenkirche in Dresden. Its creation was a direct response to the decades-long call to rebuild the iconic Baroque church, which lay in ruins following the Bombing of Dresden in World War II. The foundation has since become a central institution in Saxony, managing not only the physical structure but also its role as a symbol of reconciliation and a vibrant center for music and dialogue.

History and Background

The impetus for the foundation's creation stemmed from the ruins of the Frauenkirche, a masterpiece by architect George Bähr that defined the Dresden skyline for two centuries. After its destruction in February 1945, the rubble remained as a war memorial for decades under the German Democratic Republic. Following the Peaceful Revolution and German reunification, a citizens' initiative led by Ludwig Güttler and others galvanized international support for reconstruction. Key figures like Gottfried Kiesow of the German Foundation for Monument Protection and the Dresden City Council championed the cause, leading to the formal establishment of the foundation. Its founding was significantly bolstered by a donation from the Dresden Trust in London, symbolizing post-war reconciliation between Germany and the United Kingdom.

Mission and Objectives

The foundation's primary mission is the preservation and maintenance of the reconstructed Frauenkirche as a place of worship, music, and encounter. Its core objectives include ensuring the church's long-term structural and financial sustainability as an active Evangelical-Lutheran parish church. Furthermore, it is dedicated to fostering the church's role as an international symbol of peace and reconciliation, a mission embodied in its outreach programs. The foundation also commits to maintaining the site as a premier venue for sacred music, continuing the legacy of composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, and supporting the renowned Kreuzchor.

Reconstruction and Architecture

The reconstruction, termed the world's largest archaeological puzzle, began in 1994 under the direction of architect and professor Eberhard Burger. The project meticulously combined traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, using approximately 8,500 original sandstone blocks salvaged from the ruins, their dark patina visible in the rebuilt structure. The new dome and its golden cross were fabricated by British craftsmen, a gift from the Duke of Kent. The interior reconstruction faithfully restored George Bähr's innovative centralised design and the magnificent Gottfried Silbermann organ, painstakingly recreated by Straßburger organ builders. The completed church was consecrated in 2005 in a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Federal President Horst Köhler.

Cultural and Social Role

The Frauenkirche under the foundation's stewardship has become a pivotal cultural and social hub in Saxony. It hosts a renowned concert series featuring the Dresden Philharmonic and international artists, alongside regular church services and the Passion performances by the Kreuzchor. The foundation actively promotes dialogue through events and the annual award of the Dresden Peace Prize. It serves as a major tourist attraction, integral to Dresden's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its visitor center educates the public on the history of the Bombing of Dresden in World War II and the reconstruction's message of hope.

Organization and Funding

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees comprising representatives from the Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Saxony, the Free State of Saxony, the City of Dresden, and prominent public figures. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive board. Its funding model is uniquely broad-based, relying on a mix of private donations from over 600,000 sponsors worldwide, income from entrance fees and event rentals, and support from the Lottery Foundation of Saxony. Major capital campaigns, such as those for the new Gottfried Silbermann organ, demonstrate its continued reliance on civic engagement, distinguishing it from state-funded projects like the reconstruction of the Dresden Castle.

Category:Buildings and structures in Dresden Category:Foundations based in Germany Category:Religious organizations established in 1994