Das Hugenottenrathaus Neu-Isenburg – Designed for Democracy

Characteristics that remain defining features to this day are reflected in the cultural heritage, in buildings, in public spaces, and also in events. The old town centre was designed for democracy. The historic centre serves as a real-world laboratory for democracy and ‘Atmospheres for a better life’.

How was democracy lived and defended back then? Events promoting engagement and participation take place in the market square and within the buildings. Especially now, when democracy needs defending, there is a lack of concrete examples to spark citizens’ interest in democratic development. Transformation can only happen together.

In the market square stands the symbol of the democracy movement of that era – the 1:1 scale sculpture of the Huguenot Town Hall. It is set to be on display in the market square in 2026 and will prompt the question: what defines democracy today and tomorrow? What attracted the people who came here seeking personal advancement, self-determination, asylum and economic success?

The project aims to make the democratic roots in the historic town centre of Neu-Isenburg visible to all citizens and visitors for four weeks, and to foster a lasting understanding that democracy is not a given, but must be continually fought for. Municipal institutions are involved, such as the town museum, the town library, the Huguenot Hall and local associations, as well as political parties.

The Neu-Isenburg City Marketing Working Group creates the conditions needed to enhance the town’s appeal and foster a sense of community. The Hugenottenrathaus Neu-Isenburg Association promotes the reconstruction of the Old Town Hall in the centre of Neu-Isenburg’s Old Town, as part of a neighbourhood development plan. The Pour Yseboursch association focuses on the period when the town was founded in 1699 and the demolition of the Huguenot Town Hall in 1876. How did the first Huguenots live here?