Its doors have been closed to the people of Leipzig for more than a quarter of a century, ever since - in September 1989 - the Congress Hall was closed for all activities after a fire in the "Weißer Saal" (White Hall). Originally built in 1899 to the design of the Leipzig architect Heinrich Rust and officially opened in September 1900, the building on the site of the zoo served the people of the city mainly as a social and cultural centre.
Many a night was danced away here and countless pairs of shoes were worn out. Until the opening of the Gewandhaus on Augustusplatz, the Gewandhaus Orchestra, under the baton of Kurt Masur among others, also played in the Congress Hall. In addition, the hall served as a temporary venue for the Theater der Jungen Welt (youth theatre group) and the Krystallpalast Varieté cabaret.
Funds from Economic Stimulus Package II and a favourable decision by the city council enabled the start of extensive renovation and restoration work in the autumn of 2010. Almost five years later the listed building has once more been restored to what its name indicates: a hall for congresses.
It will in future by operated by Congress Center Leipzig (CCL), a subsidiary of Leipzig Trade Fair. Major congresses with up to 1,000 participants, including high-calibre scientific conferences with an international audience, are already planned.
Festival at the Zoo
On 29 May 2015, the newly renovated CONGRESS HALL at Zoo Leipzig will, after a construction period of almost five years, finally be returned to its former glory. The gates of the historic building will be open to visitors from 14:30 hrs.
A tour of the individual halls will enable the people of Leipzig to fondly reminisce about the past, marvel at the renovated rooms and let themselves be inspired by the unique ambience. The open house on Pfaffendorferstraße lasts until the evening, and the festival will be rounded off by a colourful stage programme and culinary delicacies. Admission is free!
Half-day closure of Pfaffendorferstraße
For safety reasons the side of Pfaffendorferstraße leading to the city centre will be closed between Ernst-Pinkert Straße and Emil-Fuchs Straße from 7 - 20 hrs, but access to the zoo car park will be possible at any time. LVB line 12 will run as normal.