City begins preliminary work on the eastern slope of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
The city of Darmstadt, known for its scientific institutions, will begin preparations in February for the construction of the information center on the eastern slope of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mathildenhöhe. Following corresponding resolutions by the city council and the granting of permits, this will be a key project for the functional enhancement of the site.
The planned information center will consolidate services, information, and educational programs, thereby relieving pressure on the historic buildings of the Mathildenhöhe. Its location on the eastern slope within the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site will protect the ensemble while simultaneously improving accessibility.
General decrees regulate construction preparation
The basis for the commencement of the work is two general decrees issued under the Hessian Law on Public Safety and Order. Accordingly, entering, remaining on, and any use of the property on Olbrichweg (eastern slope of Mathildenhöhe) is prohibited.
The order will come into effect on February 18, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. and will remain in force until February 20, 2026. From this point on, the area will be designated as a construction site and will remain inaccessible for safety reasons. Initially, tree felling and clearing work is planned, as well as the relocation of the temporary festival center, "Main Hall.".
Key building block for the World Heritage Site
Mayor Hanno Benz and councilors Michael Kolmer and Paul Georg Wandrey emphasize the importance of the project for the long-term protection and development of the Mathildenhöhe. A central hub for visitor management and information dissemination is necessary, as existing buildings cannot fulfill these functions in terms of space and accessibility.
The need for an information center was already identified in the Mathildenhöhe management plan, in a 2016 tourism study, and in consultations with the World Heritage Advisory Board and ICOMOS. The development plan was drawn up with public participation and adopted by a clear majority in 2025.
Relief for historic buildings
In the future, the information center will serve as the first point of contact for visitors. In addition to an information and service area, it will feature a compact exhibition on the history and significance of the Mathildenhöhe, as well as a multifunctional room for lectures, workshops, and educational programs.
Functions such as ticket sales, visitor group meeting points, restrooms, and a small catering area will be relocated to the new building. This will allow the listed buildings to focus more on exhibitions and cultural activities, which should contribute to a more careful preservation of the historical fabric.
Ecological guidelines and open space design
The planned clearing work is considered a prerequisite for the project's implementation. According to the city, interventions in nature and tree populations will be reduced to the necessary minimum. Compensatory and replacement measures are planned, and compliance with species protection regulations will be professionally monitored.
An accompanying open space planning competition will ensure a sensitive design for the building and its surroundings. Public green spaces will be preserved and remain usable.
Impulses for urban development and tourism
As a World Heritage Site, the Mathildenhöhe is of great importance to the city's image. The information center is intended to professionalize visitor services, structure the visitor experience, and generate long-term positive effects for restaurants, shops, and other cultural institutions.
Following the renovation of existing buildings, the city sees the new building as the final functional component in the structural completion of the World Heritage Site – as an entrance gateway, service point and learning place all at once.
Further information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mathildenhöhe can be found on the City of Darmstadt's website:
www.darmstadt.de
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/ho)
