Gewerkschaftshaus Kiel

The Gewerkschaftshaus Kiel is a brick building with sandstone details designed by architect Carl Voss at Legienstraße 22-24 in central Kiel. Its interior features large halls and meeting rooms with high ceilings built to accommodate gatherings of workers and unions.

The foundation stone was laid on October 4, 1904, and the building opened on July 26, 1907, inaugurated by labor leader Carl Legien. It was constructed as a center for the organized labor movement in Germany during a period of significant social change.

The building served as a gathering place for the labor movement and public events that shaped the city's social life for generations. Visitors can sense how the spaces were designed for large assemblies and cultural activities that brought the community together.

The building is centrally located in Kiel and easily accessible on foot, with ample space in courtyards and corridors for larger visitor groups. Some areas remain in active use as offices and meeting spaces, so access to certain sections may be limited during business hours.

Albert Einstein delivered a lecture here on September 15, 1920, about his theory of relativity after the local university declined to host him. This event shows how the building welcomed important intellectual debates that were initially controversial in academic circles.