Revitalization of the new Kurhaus Aachen 2026

• Construction period: 2016 to 2026
• NF: approx. 10,070m²
• External planning office: Höhler + Partner Architects

The Grand Hall
: When the building was used as a casino, hundreds of chains hung from the ceiling in the Grand Hall. The large windows were blacked out, and in combination with the so-called “chain ceiling,” this was intended to make casino visitors lose track of the time of day.

Uses
: For the revitalization, the windows were reopened and the hall was renovated. The space is suitable for small chamber concerts as well as stage productions or general events. To adjust the acoustics for each specific use, the wall elements in the stage area can be reconfigured.

Chandeliers
: The chandeliers resemble the original fixtures in their design and structure. The new lighting fixtures incorporate state-of-the-art technology and will be fitted with a total of approximately 10,000 glass prisms shortly before the opening.

A detail of the acoustically effective wood paneling in the large hall.

Drilling Holes in Natural
StoneThe entrance area has also been reopened. The columns are clad with natural stone slabs, restoring them to their original condition. During the building’s temporary use as a casino, numerous holes were drilled to install glass doors and walls. These holes have now been filled, and the damaged areas are being concealed using painting techniques.

Previously, a variant was examined in which the slabs would be repaired in the stonemason's workshop after removal. Due to the high number of drill holes and the enormous costs, this solution was rejected in consultation with the monument preservation authorities.

SupportsDuring
the course of the construction work, it became apparent that many of the ceilings had not been constructed in accordance with the structural specifications of the original plans. To compensate for this, various measures were necessary, including the installation of metal supports here in the entrance area to support the open hallway spaces above. In some cases, however, entire ceiling sections were also replaced.

Former Interior Gardens
: The New Kurhaus was originally designed with axial symmetry, featuring an inner courtyard or garden on each side. Halls and rooms were arranged around these courtyards. For use as a casino, a concrete ceiling was installed approximately at the level of the middle cornice to lower the ceiling height (see photo below, 2021: Open Monument Day). As part of the revitalization, one of the courtyards was reopened and fitted with a new, higher glass roof. The other courtyard was left with the concrete intermediate ceiling as a historical artifact.

Pollutant remediation and wood paneling
The dark wood panels had to be completely removed, initially stored and finally reworked externally in order to carry out the complex pollutant remediation of the underlying structural layers and restore the hall to its former glory.

Stucco
As part of the extensive restoration of the original condition, the question arose of revitalizing the original colouring of the stucco areas. In some areas, the layers of paint were removed in great detail and the result gives an impression of the original appearance. Ultimately, the implementation was so complex and cost-intensive that it was necessary to limit the work to exposing individual detailed areas.

Gold ceiling
The gold ceiling also does not correspond to the original condition of the ceiling in the writing room. It was white. Nevertheless, it has been preserved as a "public favorite" and contemporary witness and makes an interesting sight in contrast to the modern light line.

The small metal brackets between the windows, shown here as dark dots, are used to accommodate acoustic elements later on.