The 2026 Summer Construction Site of the Craft Journeywomen and Journeymen
While searching for a suitable location for the 2026 summer construction site, the preparation team of the German craft journeypersons (Wandergesell:innen[^1]) came across our project. It was selected from among several options at the end of last year. Together with the members of the non-profit association and of the cooperative of the Freie Feldlage, an agreement was reached in early February on one large joint construction project:
The derelict theatre hall of the former children’s sanatorium is to be restored in accordance with heritage preservation standards and made usable as an event and community space. The main construction phase will take place from 7 September to 4 October 2026, during which up to 100 journeypersons are expected.
The following projects are to be carried out in the theatre hall before, during and after the summer construction site:
- Insulating and plastering the hall walls
- Refinishing the parquet floor of the stage
- Restoring the large historic windows
Additional sub-projects to be realised during the construction phase include:
- Restoring various doors and windows in keeping with heritage requirements
- Paving wheelchair access
- Maintaining and restoring parts of the park grounds
- Renovating the hall’s toilet facilities
During two intensive preparation weeks, building components have already been inspected, necessary preparatory work planned, plans discarded and new ones drawn up. Together with all parties involved — including the architect’s office, the structural engineer, the energy consultant, the heritage preservation office, and of course the preparation teams of the journeypersons and the Freie Feldlage — the hall and construction plans are moving forward. The fire safety concept is being finalised, funding sources are being sought and turned over, extensive lists of building materials are being compiled, and the first public accompanying events are already being conceived. It is exciting, complex, big, fun, promising, well thought-out, overwhelming, motivating, a wonderful opportunity and a thrilling perspective for warmer winters — but above all, simply a hell of a lot of work.
To cover all of our costs, we need additional funding. Our crowdfunding campaign has launched, and we are grateful for every contribution!
Write to us if you’re curious, want to support us, or have questions — and mark the Open Monument Day (Denkmaltag) with a live construction site showcase on 13 September 2026 in your calendar now! We look forward to seeing you!
[^1] The Wandergesellen are craftspeople who, after completing their trade apprenticeship, embark on a years-long journey through the German-speaking world (and beyond), working under different masters to broaden their skills — forbidden from returning near their hometown until the journey is complete. The tradition dates back to medieval guild culture and is still practised today. The inclusive term Wandergesell:innen reflects its modern opening to people of all genders.