Alte Börse

The Old Trade Exchange (Alte Handelsbörse) in Leipzig is the oldest meeting hall of the city's merchant community and also the earliest surviving Baroque building in town. Construction was approved in 1678, after international traders criticized the makeshift conditions on the market square. The design is probably by Johann Georg Starcke and shows stylistic parallels to royal residences in Dresden. The freestanding building combines elements of Dutch and Italian Baroque into an architectural one-of-a-kind. While the ground floor was once rented out to merchants, the stately hall on the upper floor served as a neutral venue for closing major deals.

After being completely destroyed in World War II, which irretrievably wiped out valuable ceiling paintings and stucco work, the building was restored beginning in 1955. A comprehensive renovation of the facade and interior followed in the 1990s, with careful attention to historically faithful colors and window design. Today the former exchange hall is a popular venue for cultural events such as concerts, readings, and exhibitions. Visitors can experience the building's historic ambience, which impresses with its symmetrical facade and the imposing staircase bearing the city coat of arms.