The plaque was unveiled to the public on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the school building’s handover by Mayor Nino Haase, together with Hildegard Cöster, chairwoman of the citizens’ initiative for the preservation of the Neutorschule; Dr. Brian Huck, head of Mainz’s Old Town district; and members of the district council and the citizens’ initiative.

Mayor Nino Haase praised the new plaque, saying: “The Neutorschule is an outstanding part of Mainz’s educational and urban history. It is also far more than a historic building. It tells the story of educational progress, democratic awakening, and the upheavals of the 20th century. The fact that we were able to unveil a ‘Historisches Mainz’ plaque on the occasion of its 100th anniversary underscores its special significance for the history of our city. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the citizens’ initiative for the preservation of the Neutorschule and the Mainz-Altstadt local council for donating this plaque. It makes the special history of this place visible in public space and tangible for future generations.”

The plaque, donated by the Citizens’ Initiative for the Preservation of the Neutor School and the Mainz-Altstadt Local Council, commemorates the history of a building that played a prominent role in the development of school architecture in Mainz. Built according to plans by Mainz City Planning Officer Friedrich Luft, the school was constructed starting in 1924 on the site of a former munitions factory and was already considered a “milestone” in Mainz school construction upon its completion. With the experimental progressive education classes established at the Neutorschule, Mainz became part of a trend that was particularly visible in larger cities at the time.

The National Socialists’ seizure of power brought this development to a swift end in 1933. After World War II, regular school operations resumed at the undamaged Neutorschule as early as October 1, 1945. In the decades that followed, the building remained a defining educational institution until the school closed in 1989. The Neutorschule has been a designated historic landmark since 1988. Today, it is one of the few remaining progressive schools in Germany and an unmistakable part of Mainz’s city history.

Hildegard Cöster, chairwoman of the citizens’ initiative for the preservation of the Neutorschule, explains: “For many people in Mainz, the Neutorschule is linked to personal memories and to years of dedication to its preservation. We are very pleased that this building and its history are now being permanently honored through the 'Historisches Mainz' plaque, and this is also a wonderful affirmation of the civic engagement of many involved."

The "Historisches Mainz" project has been in existence for more than three decades and comprises numerous plaques that were realized in collaboration with companies, initiatives, and private individuals in cooperation with the state capital of Mainz. The goal is to make history visible and tangible in public spaces. (rpo)