St. Agnes
Transfer of use of St. Agnes Church to an art gallery
Berlin
2005 - 2011
Special performance
Project
As part of an extensive savings program, the parishes of St. Boniface, St. Agnes and St. John in western Berlin-Kreuzberg were merged. While concepts for the future use of St. Boniface's Church and St. John's Basilica were already in place, a new sponsorship model was required for St. Agnes. D:4 supported the parish in this process in an advisory and coordinating capacity.
Church and architecture
Built in 1965-67 by architect Werner Düttmann, the community center is divided into a church, rectory, parish hall and kindergarten with a shared inner courtyard. The church building and the bell tower are made of masonry and reinforced concrete, with coarse cement plaster that characterizes the minimalist appearance. The church is characterized by its sparse exterior and a reduced interior, which is only illuminated by light strips in the ceilings and side window slits. Thanks to this special design, the church interior is ideal for exhibitions and events. The high architectural and historical significance of the building required a careful conversion in keeping with its listed status.
Conversion process
In the run-up to the deconsecration in 2005, D:4 investigated the possibilities for a subsequent use. It was decided that priority should be given to use by another Christian community or rededication as an art gallery and exhibition space for contemporary art. As a temporary solution, the church was rented to a free church community for several years.
Selection process and handover to new user
In 2011, D:4 carried out a moderated selection process with numerous interested parties, in which the heritable building right to St. Agnes was awarded to the gallery owner Johann König. He set up a gallery for contemporary art in the church and undertook to make only minimal changes to the church interior and to maintain the building in line with its listed status.
