Haus zum Roten Ochsen, Renaissance building at Fischmarkt 7, Erfurt, Germany
Haus zum Roten Ochsen is a Renaissance building at Fischmarkt 7 in Erfurt with multiple stories and an elaborately designed facade. Above the ground level runs a decorative frieze featuring muses and planetary deities that reflects the artistic interests of the period.
The building was first documented in 1392 and underwent major redesign in 1562 under Jacob Naffzer, a wealthy woad merchant and council chairman. This renovation shaped it into the Renaissance jewel visible today.
The building serves as an exhibition space and houses the Erfurt Art Association, which presents rotating shows throughout the year. The Renaissance hall on the first floor is the main showcase for artworks and makes this a gathering place for those interested in contemporary and historical art.
The building is easily found from Fischmarkt and has operated as an art gallery since 1979 with regular rotating exhibitions. Its central location makes it easy to combine with other historic attractions in the old town.
A red ox with golden horns is featured centrally on the frieze, giving the house its distinctive name. This unusual choice of an animal as a house sign was a way in medieval and Renaissance times to express wealth and trading connections.
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