History
History of the Rosengarten

Since its construction, the Rosengarten as a monumental festival hall has enjoyed a reputation of being an extraordinary venue for conferences and culture the unique ambiance of which can still be felt in the halls of the m:con Congress Center Rosengarten. To the present day, significant scientific congresses have been held there, major political parties and international groups of companies organise their meetings and congresses in Mannheim, brilliant balls have been celebrated, and top stars like Anne-Sophie Mutter, Alfred Brendel, Sting, or Simply Red always like to perform in the Mozartsaal.

The festival hall was built according to plans of the Berlin architect Bruno Schmitz. He designed an unparalleled Art Nouveau ensemble which, for the most part, is still in place today and can be admired around the Friedrichsplatz.

Chronology

  • 1663 First mention of the area name "Roßengarten"
  • 1892 Concert for the benefit of the agitation fund for the construction of a festival hall
  • 1897 Submission for approval by the city council
  • 1898 Design by the Berlin architect Bruno Schmitz
  • 1900 Start of construction
  • 1902 Redesign of the Friedrichsplatz by Bruno Schmitz
  • 1903 Festive handover and inauguration of the Rosengarten (Easter)
  • 1903 First academy concert in the Musensaal
  • 1903 Charity bazaar in the presence of the Grand Duchess
  • 1904 First city masquerade ball
  • 1904 The carnival association Feuerio has used the Rosengarten for events like the "Große Damen Fremdensitzung" since 1904 and later for the White Balls for proclaiming the carnival prince
  • 1906 Festivities in honour of the Grand Duke and Duchess
  • 1907 300-year anniversary with opening of the anniversary exhibition
  • 1917-1923 Turbulent years during and after World War I
  • 1924 Carl-Theodor festival due to his 200th birthday
  • 1928 Anniversary - 25 years of Rosengarten, festive concerts in the Museumsaal and Nibelungensaal
  • 1934 Announcement of the Olympic Games and presentation of the participants from Mannheim
  • 1937 During the academy concerts, Herbert von Karajan directs in the Rosengarten for the first time
  • 1942 Autumn festival of Daimler-Benz AG Mannheim
  • 1943 The Rosengarten can no longer be used due to demolition and fire bombs
  • 1947 The Wandelhalle (600 seats) of the Rosengarten becomes the second venue of the National Theatre
  • 1948 Christmas market: 1st sales fair after World War II in the "Ice Palace" Musensaal
  • 1949 1st May Fair after World War II
  • 1952 The renovated Musensaal is inaugurated with a concert of the National Theatre orchestra
  • 1953 Wilhelm Furtwängler directs his symphony in E minor for the first time in Mannheim
  • 1954 First awarding of the Schiller Prize of the city of Mannheim
  • 1962 Klaus Kinski recites in the Musensaal
  • 1974 Opening of the new Mozartsaal building
  • 1975 Opening of the Bundesgartenschau (German federal garden exhibition) 
  • 1986 German Open Championship -  the biggest dance contest in the world
  • 1991 Fundamental renovation of the technical conference equipment meeting all safety standards
  • 1994 Startrek Convention: Great meeting of the fans of Mr. Spock & colleagues
  • 1996 Opening of the Dorint Congress Hotel Mannheim with direct connection to the Congress Center
  • 1997 Worldwide novelty: Handy rack
  • 2001 The BASF general assembly is held at the Rosengarten for the first time

Extension in 2007

Finally, on 1 December 2007,  the time had come: grand opening of the new m:con Congress Center Rosengarten Mannheim. A new dimension in congress and event management had been reached with more than 22,000 square metres of additional space for events of any kind.

Here you can find pictures, videos and texts from the period of construction and from the opening ceremony: 

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