Hessian Main State Archives Marburg

The Hessian State Archive in Marburg was established in the late 19th century. After initially being housed in the city's castle, it was moved in 1938 to its current location on Friedrichsplatz, which was specially constructed for this purpose.

The building was designed in the distinctive neoclassical style used for government buildings in Nazi Germany. Various decorations, such as swastikas and imperial eagles, were part of the structure.

During World War II, the building was damaged during an Allied bombing raid. Following the American capture of the city, it was used as a storage facility for artworks discovered and preserved by the Allied unit Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives (MFAA) in Germany.

Since 1946, the building has once again served as the archives for the state of Hesse. Most of the Nazi-era decorations were either damaged during the war or removed afterward. Above the back entrance, an imperial eagle is still visible, but the swastika beneath it has been covered. Inside the building, a ceiling decoration with swastikas remains preserved as a historical document.

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Source

• Text: Kevin Prenger
• Photos: Coen Prenger
• Kevin Prenger, 'De bruine stad.