We sponsor
listed buildings and the cityscape
Lübeck's Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. There are over 1,400 listed monuments on the old town island that need to be conserved and protected. The Possehl Foundation supports the refurbishment of these historic buildings in line with the applicable requirements.
The Foundation has also adopted the preservation of "Lübeck's Seven Spires", the five Lübeck city centre churches, as an additional long-term project. From 1950 to the present day, the Possehl Foundation has contributed well over €55 million to preserving and shaping Lübeck's historic city centre in all its architectural diversity.
Funding examples
7 spires - 7 years - 7 million
The seven spires bear witness to the history of the city, to the time of the Hanse, when self-assured merchants and a powerful clergy tried to outdo each other with the construction of imposing churches. But they are also testimony to the fighting and destruction of the Second World War to which they serve as a memorial to this day. The churches of Lübeck are an attraction for visitors, and for the residents they often form an inseparable part of the town and of their own identity.
Preserving these churches is a task for generations, which goes well beyond the usual maintenance work. The Evangelical Lutheran Church District of Lübeck-Lauenburg, which includes the parishes in the town centre, is responsible for this huge undertaking. It acts not only for its own benefit, but also in the interest of the wider urban community, helping to preserve our cultural heritage.
A special foundation, “7 Spires+”, has been established to raise and distribute funds for this purpose.
The Possehl Foundation's Board of Trustees has decided to provide reliable financial support for this tour de force: "7 spires - 7 years - 7 million" is the resolution that will make a significant contribution to the preservation of the churches.
Refurbishment of the house Hüxtertorallee 29
This charming property was built in 1876 outside the Lübeck city gates and is a perfect example of the joys and tribulations awaiting private owners of listed buildings. The decision to buy and renovate a house like this is generally driven by a fair portion of idealism. At the outset people are often not aware of the stamina it requires. At the same time, the owners are making a contribution to the beauty of the city of Lübeck that not only gives pleasure to them personally, but to everyone who lives here.
When the owners bought the house in 2016 it was in a terrible condition. After they had carried out the initial investigations it became clear that there was a lot more work to be done to restore it than had originally been thought. They identified the character of the building and restored it to its last integral form.
With great patience and an eye for detail they have created a real jewel in the urban environment, with a new slate roof, the historical garden wall and refurbished ornamental brackets known as modillions under the eaves.
Contact
"The beauty of the city",
Art & Culture