Old estate in Rollwitz becomes an art and communication center!

Old estate in Rollwitz becomes an art and communication center!

In the small town of Rollwitz, the architect and artist Norbert Kostka is planning to bring the historic manor house back to life. Kostka and his partner Uta Maske have moved into the former 300 square meter estate and are moving to their second home in Taschenberg, about 20 kilometers away, in the winter because the Rollwitz house is difficult to heat. The architect's vision is to create a communication center that includes a discussion salon, art events and a chronicle of the region.

After Kostka acquired the old grain store in Taschenberg, he discovered the remains of the Rollwitz estate two years ago. This place, which has a long history dating back to the 17th century, was once home to six families and housed facilities such as a bakery and a post office. However, after 1999 the estate was no longer renovated and suffered from vandalism. Kostka has already repaired the bell tower and plans to replace the bell.

The vision of a cultural center

Kostka not only wants to offer the community a platform for artistic activities, but also collect the stories of the old buildings and record them in a chronicle. The importance of preserving the cultural identity and heritage of the region is emphasized. The challenges facing monument preservation efforts are diverse. According to a research project at the Bauhaus University Weimar, the guiding values ​​of monument preservation have been under pressure across Europe since the political change in 1989. Technical principles lose their general validity and acceptance by monument authorities decreases, which leads to conflicts between cultural heritage and economic viability.

The increasing neglect of authentic, threatened monuments is being offset by a new interest in reconstruction projects. However, Kostka's efforts in Rollwitz are more than just an attempt to renovate old walls; they aim to promote a dialogue about the unique material witness and experiential quality of the property. Kostka plans to organize lectures on the history and future of the community to raise awareness of cultural heritage.

The importance of cultural heritage

The project in Rollwitz reflects the relevance of the current discussion about cultural values. Monuments are viewed as “common property of humanity” and there is a need for contemporary formulations of monument preservation values. In a society increasingly focused on economic efficiency, it is crucial to develop new value systems that also take identity and cultural heritage into account.

Kostka's initiatives in the Rollwitzer Gutshof could be a step in this direction. By transforming the old estate into a center for art and encounters, he wants to offer citizens a platform on which they can experience and share their history. Because only through understanding and appreciating our heritage can a deeper social identity be preserved.

Further information on the challenges and importance of monument preservation can be found in the approach of the Bauhaus University Weimar, where the translation of monument preservation principles into society is researched. The aim here is to critically revise values ​​in order to build a bridge between the past and the present and to preserve the cultural heritage for future generations (Bauhaus University Weimar).

In Rollwitz, the idea of ​​combining art and community in a historical context is kept alive - an encouraging development in times when monument preservation and cultural heritage often take a back seat.

For more details about the current projects surrounding the manor house in Rollwitz, visit the page Northern Courier.