As the Bauhaus Dessau observes its 0th year, the historic site of modernist architecture is emphasizing sustainable building practices amid growing political tensions. The centennial celebration, which features exhibits and events focused on the Bauhaus’s legacy of innovation and design, has drawn attention from Germany’s far-right AfD party, which has used the occasion to critique the movement’s modernist principles.
Leaders within the AfD have accused the Bauhaus movement of promoting a ‘cultural alienation’ that undermines traditional German values. This criticism has sparked debates about the role of cultural institutions in shaping national identity. The Bauhaus Dessau, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has responded by reaffirming its commitment to artistic and architectural innovation while emphasizing its relevance to contemporary issues such as environmental sustainability.
Artists, historians, and architects from around the world are expected to participate in the centennial celebrations, which include workshops, lectures, and a re-creation of the original Bauhaus studio. The event has become a focal point for discussions on the balance between cultural heritage and political discourse in modern Germany, highlighting the complex interplay between artistic legacy and national identity in the face of rising far-right sentiments.