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Spritzenhaus arts and crafts center

There is an arts and crafts center here in the former fire station.

Spritzenhaus arts and crafts center

Once upon a time, the forty men of the Wennigsen Fire Department would hang their fire hoses in the tower of this building to dry and practice climbing on the facade. And until after World War II, this was where rogues and thieves were held before being transferred to the prison in Hannover. But then the fire station stood empty for a long time and fell into disrepair, until four craftswomen joined forces in the early 1980s to save it. They founded a nonprofit association with the goal of promoting regional arts and crafts. Even back then, they recognized the value of handmade items and wanted to counter the trend toward mass-produced goods coming off the assembly line. With the help of volunteers, they restored the old building and carefully modernized the interiors.

Since then, the Spritzenhaus has hosted five exhibitions a year, featuring a variety of local artisans as well as artists from across Germany, spread across two floors. The attached open workshop offers a glimpse into the world of arts and crafts. In addition, the Spritzenhaus hosts concerts, readings, and lectures.