North wing in Thurnau inaugurated
The Institute for Franconian Regional History of the Universities of Bayreuth and Bamberg has moved into the renovated north wing of Thurnau Castle. The work took several years - Science Minister Markus Blume came to the inauguration.
In the presence of the Bavarian Minister of State for Science and the Arts, Markus Blume, as well as numerous guests from politics, science and business, the renovated north wing of Thurnau Castle - postponed several times by the pandemic - has now been officially inaugurated and handed over for its future use at a ceremony. Once occupied by the noble families Künßberg and Giech, the rooms are now filled with life by the Institute for Franconian Regional History of the Universities of Bamberg and Bayreuth.
Between 2015 and 2019, the north wing of Thurnau Castle was lavishly renovated by the Count Giech'sche Spitalstiftung with a fine sense for the historical ensemble, which Minister of State Markus Blume and the guests were able to see for themselves during a tour of the premises.
Science and Arts Minister Markus Blume emphasised: "Outstanding castle complex of national importance, research institute of inestimable value for the cultural identity of the Free State and beacon project for the preservation of monuments: With the inauguration of the north wing of Thurnau Castle, a magnificent place of Bavarian history shines in new splendour!
As the seat of the Institute for Franconian Regional History of the Universities of Bayreuth and Bamberg, Thurnau Castle also stands for excellent research - a unique symbiosis of culture and science! Today's ceremony is a milestone in the overall restoration of this impressive castle complex. Many thanks to the Gräflich Giech'sche Spitalstiftung as the owner and to all others involved for the so far so successful realisation of this extensive building task. As the Free State, we have been happy to support this extremely demanding project to date with a total of around 12 million euros from the compensation fund."
In two construction phases, a series of necessary renovation measures were carried out in the area of the north wing. The part of the building built by the Förtsch family in the 15th century was made structurally and fireproof. To enable barrier-free access, a glass extension was built in front of the north wing, which houses a steel and glass lift in addition to the staircase.
The second construction phase was dedicated to the outdoor facilities, the renovation of the façade, the extension of the library rooms, the event hall/multifunctional room, the WC facilities and the renovation of the cellar vault.
About the research in Thurnau
The academic activities of the Institute of Franconian History are characterised by epoch-spanning and interdisciplinary perspectives as well as European and global networking of Franconian history. In addition, the Institute for Franconian Regional History is in constant exchange with actors in regional and local historical work and makes an important contribution to the dissemination of information and knowledge for the interested public.
Jennifer OpelDeputy Press Officer
University of Bayreuth
Phone: +49 (0)921 - 55 5893 57
Mail: jennifer.opel@uni-bayreuth.de