One hundred years ago, the Bauhaus school relocated to Dessau. As part of the programme “To the Core. Bauhaus Dessau 100”, the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation will launch its anniversary year in September 2025. The focus will be on materials of modernity and the present day. The celebrations will take place from 4 to 7 September and will feature a variety of events, including a formal ceremony, performances, concerts, films and workshops, which will be held at locations across the city.
Opening Ceremony – 4 September
On 4 September, Minister-President Reiner Haseloff will open the festivities at the historic Bauhaus building. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, had originally announced her attendance, but will not be able to attend due to scheduling issues. Instead, she will address guests via video message. Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, will represent her in Dessau, ensuring that the anniversary is also prominently anchored at a European level.
Performative Experiments and Music
On Friday, September 5th, the focus will turn to the artistic legacy of the Bauhaus. International artists will reinterpret Oskar Schlemmer’s iconic ‘Material Dances’, bringing their innovative approach to the body, space, and materials into the modern era. To complement this, Italian composer Piero Mottola will present the world premiere of Voices of Bauhaus, demonstrating how voices can be transformed into a multi-layered orchestral composition.
The City as Stage
On Saturday, the anniversary celebrations will move into the public realm. At Dessau Zoo, visitors will enjoy a concert by the Anhalt Theatre, as well as performances and light projections by the artist Philipp Geist. There will also be a poetic dance piece called Bauhaus Ghosts by Celia Millán. At the same time, the Bauhaus Museum will launch the Pop Around @ Bauhaus concert series by ZDF/3sat, featuring four intimate performances by international musicians broadcast live on television and hosted by Jo Schück.
A Sunday at the Kornhaus
On Sunday, the Kornhaus on the River Elbe will be transformed into an open meeting place, offering guided tours, workshops, music and food and drinks. The programme aims to build a bridge between historic architecture and contemporary community life.
Material Previews and Workshops
In parallel, the Foundation will offer free ‘material previews’ and creative workshops. Participants will explore Bauhaus sites, such as the Steel House and the historic Employment Office, through materials including concrete, glass, metal and brick. In this way, the anniversary connects the experimental spirit of the historic school with contemporary artistic and design issues.
By opening the exhibition, the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation is marking not only a centenary, but also highlighting the continuing relevance of the Bauhaus legacy. Design is an ongoing exploration of substance in terms of material, form, and social impact.
Further information and the full programme can be found at: bauhaus-dessau.de
To the Core. Bauhaus Dessau 100
Jubilee year from September 2025
4. – 7. Sept. 2025
4. Sept.: Official opening ceremony in the Bauhaus Building (by invitation only)
5. – 7. Sept: Public programme with performances, concerts, workshops and guided tours in the Bauhaus Building, Museum, Zoo and Kornhaus
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