Former post office, Pirmasens

The Former post office, known locally as Alte Post, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Pirmasens in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Constructed in 1893 as a Royal Bavarian Post Office, this Neo-Renaissance building has transitioned from a bustling hub of postal activity to a vibrant cultural and event center, now known as Forum Alte Post.

The History of the Former Post Office

The roots of the Former post office stretch back to the late 19th century, a time when Pirmasens was experiencing a significant boom in the shoe industry. This economic surge led to an overwhelming increase in postal traffic, necessitating the construction of a new main post office. In 1885, Pirmasens ranked fourth among the 20 post offices in the Bavarian Palatinate in terms of postal revenue, and by 1890, it had risen to the top spot.

To accommodate this growing demand, a site was chosen near the railway station to facilitate the direct loading of mail onto trains. The land between Bahnhofstraße and Teichstraße was acquired between 1887 and 1890, and construction began in 1891 under the direction of architect Ludwig von Stempel. The building was completed in 1893 at a cost of 237,330 marks, with von Stempel receiving a personal commendation from Prince Regent Luitpold for his work.

Initially, the Former post office was a bustling center of postal activity, but by 1926, a new main post office was constructed to handle the increasing volume of mail. The Alte Post then served as the telegraph office and motor mail station, becoming one of the largest motor mail hubs in Germany by 1930. Despite the ravages of World War II, the building survived largely unscathed, although later modifications did impact its historical integrity.

Following its closure in 1976, the building stood vacant for many years, despite early discussions about repurposing it. In 1978, a significant bequest from local resident Elisabeth Hoffmann earmarked funds specifically for the Alte Post. The building was designated a historical monument in 1986 and purchased by the city. After a series of delays and financial challenges, comprehensive renovations were completed in 2013, and the building was officially reopened in January 2014 as Forum Alte Post.

Architectural Splendor

The Former post office is a striking example of historicist architecture, blending elements of Italian and French Renaissance styles. The two-story sandstone structure features a grand façade with three large archways that follow the triumphal arch motif, creating a majestic and imposing presence. The rusticated masonry of the ground floor is reminiscent of the Palazzo Medici Riccardi, a hallmark of early Renaissance secular architecture.

The first-floor windows are adorned with alternating triangular and rounded pediments, evoking the design of the Palazzo Farnese. The building bears a strong resemblance to the former post and telegraph office in Kaiserslautern, also designed by Ludwig von Stempel, though the Pirmasens structure is better preserved.

One of the most distinctive features of the Former post office is the 33-meter-long mosaic frieze that runs along the main and side façades, depicting scenes from postal operations. This artwork, originally created by Villeroy & Boch, was damaged during World War II but has since been meticulously restored. The building's centerpiece is the domed hall, once a bustling package hall, now a venue for cultural events. The hall boasts a stunning coffered ceiling, reconstructed based on the original wooden framework.

Another notable interior feature is the stucco ceiling in the dome room of the north tower, dating back to 1896. This ceiling was rediscovered and restored during renovations. A modern addition to the building is the glass extension on the north side, constructed between 2006 and 2012, which serves as a passageway and staircase connecting the exhibition spaces.

Forum Alte Post Today

Since its reopening in 2013, the Former post office has become a cultural hub for the city of Pirmasens. It houses two permanent exhibitions dedicated to two of the city's most famous artists: the Dadaist Hugo Ball and the landscape and genre painter Heinrich Bürkel. In addition to these permanent displays, the Forum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions showcasing works by regional and international artists.

The Elisabeth Hoffmann Hall, named in honor of the building's benefactor, serves as a venue for cultural events, seminars, and even private celebrations. The hall's elegant design and historical ambiance make it a popular choice for a wide range of events.

Over the years, the Forum Alte Post has hosted numerous notable exhibitions, including photographs by Götz Diergarten, posters by Pablo Picasso, and prints by Salvador Dalí. The Pirmasens Photo Days in 2014 and 2016 drew large crowds, highlighting the Forum's role as a key player in the city's cultural scene.

In 2016, the Hugo Ball Cabinet, an interactive permanent exhibition dedicated to the life and work of the Dadaist co-founder, was inaugurated by Minister of Culture Konrad Wolf. This exhibition has since become a major attraction for visitors interested in the avant-garde art movement.

In 2022, the Pirmasens Cultural Office moved into the building, further cementing the Former post office's status as a central cultural institution in the city. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural offerings, the Former post office in Pirmasens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the intersection of history and art.