Luisen-Gymnasium (Luisen High School), Dusseldorf

Luisen High School (Luisen-Gymnasium) in Dusseldorf’s Stadtmitte district boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage. Originally established in 1837 as a Protestant girls' school, it was intended to provide intellectual and moral education beyond elementary schooling for Protestant daughters, marking a milestone in inclusive education in Dusseldorf. The school operated under the protectorate of Princess Luise of Anhalt-Bernburg, for whom it was named. Initially located at Ratinger Street, it moved multiple times, each relocation marking a significant expansion or upgrade, with a notable transition in 1862 to Steinstrasse, where it gained its building, increasing the number of female students and expanding its curriculum to include a teacher-training program by 1864.

Under the direction of Victor Uellner and later Georg Howe, the school achieved notable recognition, including a bronze medal at the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition for excellence in the German girls' school system. In 1907, Luisen High School transitioned to its current building at Bastionstrasse, a masterpiece by architect Johannes Radke. Designed in the monumental style of reform architecture with Art Nouveau accents, the structure features stone façades adorned with curved gables and rounded arch windows, crafted to exude an imposing yet elegant presence. Sculptor Adolf Simatschek added architectural sculptures, complementing Radke’s other notable work, the nearby Stahlhof.

Today, the building, protected as a historical monument, still serves the educational needs of Luisen High School. However, this chapter is set to close in the summer of 2026, with the school slated to move to a new location on Volklinger Street, marking yet another evolution in its long and storied history.