Uelzen Hundertwasser Train Station, Germany - 1 May 2025
The Hundertwasser Train Station in Uelzen is not just a functional building through which thousands of travelers flow every day. It is also a living work of art that reflects the creative genius of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. A train station that not only serves as a transportation hub but also represents a significant symbol of the fusion of architecture and art.
The visionary behind the train station: Friedensreich Hundertwasser, born in Vienna in 1928 and deceased in 2000, was one of the most remarkable figures in the 20th-century art scene. Known for his unconventional and colorful works, Hundertwasser opposed rectangular architecture and called for a more harmonious, humane living space in harmony with nature. His work, characterized by organic forms, spirals, and vibrant color palettes, can be found not only in his paintings but also in his architectural works.
The story of the Hundertwasser train station in Uelzen began in 1999, when the city of Uelzen decided to renovate its train station for EXPO 2000, a world exposition in Hanover. As a project partner and official EXPO site, Uelzen was tasked with transforming the station into a work of art that would impress travelers on their way to the main event. The project to revitalize the station was entrusted to Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The artist had previous experience in redesigning buildings, making him the ideal candidate for the task. With his signature style, he transformed the station into a masterpiece that fits seamlessly into his oeuvre.
The redesigned station opened in June 2000 and has fascinated visitors from all over the world ever since. The characteristic features of Hundertwasser's architectural style are present throughout: golden spheres on the towers, colorful mosaics, green roofs, and organically curved forms that replace the strict rectangular shapes of the original building. But the Hundertwasser Station is not only visually impressive. It is also a statement of Hundertwasser's philosophy of harmonizing human construction and life with nature. By integrating trees, shrubs, and other plants into the architecture, the station creates a sense of harmony and connects the urban environment with the natural world.