Hellerau

Hellerau is a district of Dresden, Germany, located in the northeast of the city. It is historically significant for its role as a garden city and a center for reform movements at the beginning of the 20th century. The development of Hellerau began in 1909, envisioned as a new residential area combining urban amenities with natural surroundings. This concept was heavily influenced by the English garden city movement and attracted progressive architects and thinkers.

One of the most prominent features of Hellerau is the Festspielhaus, an early modernist building designed by Heinrich Tessenow, which served as a venue for theater, music, and dance. The Festspielhaus became a hub for avant-garde artistic expression and educational initiatives, notably associated with the work of Émile Jaques-Dalcroze and his method of eurhythmics. The district also saw the establishment of innovative housing projects, emphasizing light, air, and functionality.

During the Nazi era, Hellerau's progressive ideals were suppressed, and the Festspielhaus was used for different purposes. After World War II, it was located in East Germany, and while parts of the district suffered damage, many of the original buildings were preserved or restored. Today, Hellerau continues to be a residential area, and efforts are ongoing to maintain and revitalize its unique historical architectural heritage and its cultural legacy. The area offers a glimpse into early 20th-century urban planning and its connection to social and artistic reform.