Kulturhaus LA8

The Kulturhaus LA8 (cultural establishment LA8) is a historical mansion in the center of Baden-Baden. In the back of the complex one finds the museum for art and technology of the 19th century. The restaurant Rive Gauche and the club Twentyone are located in the older renovated building part. The Baden-Baden chess society uses some of the rooms as well. The name LA8 is derived from the address Lichtentaler Allee 8.

History

The mansion was built in the year 1820 and altered in 1822 by Friedrich Weinbrenner. After that it was used as a residence by Friederike the Queen consort of Sweden. When she died in 1826 the building passed into the ownership of William II, Elector of Hesse, who left it to his beloved Countess of Reichenbach-Lessonitz. From 1842 until 1854 the mansion was owned by the Frankfurt banker Amschel Mayer Rothschild, who sold it to the municipal financial organisation Badfond. The Badfond rented the building to Edouard Bénazet and later after 1872 to the International Club. After the prohibition of gambling in Germany in 1872 this club continued the international horse races in Iffezheim, that were founded by Bénazet and formerly financed by the gambling casino. The mansion Lichtentaler Allee 8 evolved into an exclusive meeting point of the rich and famous visitors of Baden-Baden. From 2007 to 2009 the old Weinbrenner building was renovated and preserved by the Baden-Baden businessman Wolfgang Grenke. A new building part was added at the back of the complex, that is used by the museum. From then on the complex was called "Kulturhaus LA8". After the reopening in April 2009 a lot of equisite cultural events have taken place in the Kulturhaus LA8.

Organisations

Museum

See main article: Museum LA8

The museum for art and technology of the 19th century is located in the new building part at the back of the Kulturhaus LA8. On three floors and 400 m² the museum shows themed exihibitions on 19th century topics. Every 6 months a new exihibition is opened.

Gastronomy

See main articles: Rive Gauche, Twentyone

The gastronomy in the Kulturhaus LA8 is run by Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa. The restaurant is located in the first floor of the old building part and includes a terrace. In the basement one finds the club Twentyone, where regularly special events take place. It can also be rented for private parties. In the first and the second floor there are two historical halls, that can be rented too.

Chess

See main articles: OSG Baden-Baden, Schachzentrum Baden-Baden

The Baden-Baden chess society OSG Baden-Baden started using rooms in the LA8 after the reopening in April 2009. Training sessions as well as tournements take place in the LA8. The reigning chess world champion Magnus Carlsen, the former world champion Viswanathan Anand and other top players are members of the OSG Baden-Baden.