Location First Gewandhaus

Leipzig's first Gewandhaus was built in 1498 as a two-winged building on Gewandgäßchen and Universitätsstraße. It was initially used as a cloth merchants' hall and also as an arsenal for the city's own weapons and armor. In 1781, the concert hall built by the city of Leipzig was opened and the orchestra was given the name "Gewandhausorchester". The concert hall was built entirely of wood in the second floor and attic of the armory wing - like a violin in a violin case. This turned the concert hall into a huge resonating body and thus almost a musical instrument itself.

Up to 500 listeners heard the world premieres of many pieces that are famous all over the world today. For example, Mozart's only guest performance in Leipzig (1789), Clara Wieck's first public appearance (1828), Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, Schumann's "Spring Symphony", Wagner's "Meistersinger" Prelude and Brahms' Violin Concerto. However, the capacity of the hall quickly reached its limits and the New Gewandhaus opened in 1884. Today, this is known as the second Gewandhaus. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed by bombs during the Second World War.

After this time, the Gewandhaus concerts took place in the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo until 1981, when they were relocated together with the Gewandhaus Orchestra to the once again Neue Gewandhaus (the third Gewandhaus) on today's Augustusplatz. The first Gewandhaus was demolished in 1894. A new exhibition center, the Städtisches Kaufhaus was built on this site.