The city council has decided on a comprehensive restoration of the expressionist cultural monument – completion is planned for 2028
The Herff Mausoleum in Darmstadt's Old Cemetery is to undergo extensive renovation. The city council has approved the restoration of the listed building. The work is scheduled for completion by 2028. Afterwards, the mausoleum will once again be open to the public and available for cultural events.
The building, constructed in 1928/29, served as the central burial site for the extensive von Herff family and has been owned by the city of Darmstadt since 2023. According to the city, the original structure is largely preserved, but some parts show significant damage.
After a storm severely damaged the copper roof in 2023, it was completely replaced in 2024/25 as a first safety measure. The actual renovation is now set to follow, following the city council's decision.
Facades, reliefs and interior are being restored
The planned work includes the renewal of the partially severely damaged plaster and the restoration of the facades and reliefs. In addition, the drainage system will be improved, and the exterior walls, staircases, interior, and historic doors will be repaired.
According to the city, the work is being carried out in coordination with the Lower Monument Protection Authority. It is based on restoration and architectural history investigations conducted in advance in cooperation with the Technical University of Darmstadt and the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences.
The city also intends to seek third-party funding to finance the project. The announcement does not include information on the total cost of the renovation.
Reliefs by Johannes Ilmari Auerbach
According to the city, the reliefs by Bauhaus artist Johannes Ilmari Auerbach, depicting youth, maturity, and old age, are of particular art historical significance. Auerbach lived at Kranichstein hunting lodge from 1925 and later in Paris. The city states that the reliefs are among the few surviving works of the Jewish sculptor, whose oeuvre was almost completely destroyed in 1933.
“Architecture, visual arts, and the history of the Old Cemetery are uniquely intertwined here,” says Michael Kolmer, head of the parks department. The aim is to preserve the cultural monument and make its history accessible to the public once again.
The renovation is scheduled for completion in 2028. At that time, the Old Cemetery will have existed for 200 years; the completion of the mausoleum will also mark its 100th anniversary.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
