As a showcase for the architecture of the Weser Renaissance, Paderborn Rathaus with its fountain in front is one of the city’s most photographed sights. Notice how the fountain sports the coat of arms of the city. That is because the “Rathaus” has always been Paderborn’s formal City Hall.
Stand in Rathausplatz (City Hall Square) to look up at the 12 top windows in the three gables. Documents from 1279 already mention a Paderborn Rathaus, though it is not known where it stood then. Dietrich von Fürstenberg, the then prince-archbishop, commissioned the current building in 1611. Master builder Hermann Baumhauer from Wewelsburg designed it in the Weser Renaissance style of the region.
On ground level, the big, open halls are supported by Doric columns. Because the town had no need for a big administrative building with a court house, the other rooms in the grand building served as a customs house, police headquarters and even military equipment storage space over the years. Concerts, formal receptions and theater performances also took place in the stately rooms. At one point the fire brigade even stored its equipment here.
In 1878 an extensive refurbishment and renovation of the Rathaus was completed, with sculptor Josefthomas “Joto” Brinkschröder adding flair to the grand entrances and stairwell.
In the early 20th century a bank and later a tourism office were located in the Rathaus. Towards the end of World War II, the outer walls burnt down during bombings of the city. Sadly, the building’s astronomical clock from the 1870s was also destroyed in the fire.
The historic Rathaus in Rathausplatz is now home to a Family Services Center on the ground level and formal reception area for the City Council in the main halls. Wedding ceremonies take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.
While the stately rooms of the rest of the Rathaus are not publicly accessible, you can enter the Civic Center to take a quick look inside. However, many visitors are content with seeing the exterior alone, especially around Christmas, when the festively decorated and illuminated City Hall resembles a giant advent calendar.
