He actually works in Denmark. But he regularly returns to eastern Thuringia for the Halbe Schloss (Half Castle) in Langenleuba-Niederhain. Philipp Hesse grew up here and has been committed to an extraordinary monument since 2020. As the name suggests, only half of it remains standing. One of the two wings was in danger of collapsing and was demolished without further ado almost 200 years ago.

Already known to denkmal

Attentive visitors to denkmal are already familiar with the Halbe Schloss. In 2024, it was one of four properties in the Messeakademie 2024 competition. Architecture students were invited to submit their proposals for the use of the existing building. Emily Neuy and Lisa Eyink from the Bauhaus University in Weimar were delighted to receive their award at the denkmal in Leipzig. They impressed the jury with their design for a contemporary building to be constructed on the site of the missing wing.

Despite adversity – cause for optimism

What are the chances of this idea being implemented? Philipp Hesse is not confident that it will happen in the near future. He understands the approach of replacing the wing, and it will certainly happen at some point, but the priority right now is to restore the existing wing. Of course, a lot depends on money. The German Foundation for Monument Protection is one of the sponsors, and the local savings bank is also advertising its support on the construction fence. And yet the situation remains delicate. With public budgets becoming tighter, funds for monument protection are also declining. In addition, it remains a challenge to attract private sponsors who want to invest in properties in the new federal states. Hesse remains optimistic, however, as it is precisely spaces like these here in the Halbes Schloss that promote social interaction and cultural freedom, thereby strengthening democratic structures.

A place with a future

Another player well known to monument enthusiasts is the German Foundation for Monument Protection's youth building workshops. Four young people are participating in the renovation as part of a voluntary social year. “We must be doing something right,” says Hesse, reporting that three of the four young people from last year will be starting training in the field of monument conservation. Among others, a budding plasterer and a church painter have been busy installing windows and whitewashing individual rooms over the past few months.

How long will the restoration take? Philipp Hesse cannot give a precise answer to this question, as the timeframe depends on the flow of funds. Nevertheless, the Halbes Schloss is still in use. On Open Monument Day, coordinated nationwide by the German Foundation for Monument Protection, twelve exhibitions, three concerts, and several readings took place on the premises of the Halbes Schloss. Together with the 40-member association Halbes Schloss Langenleuba-Niederhain e.V., this shows that a place with a future is emerging here.