200 years of inspiration:
Weinbrenner.
Architect of a new era
In 2026, Karlsruhe will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of Friedrich Weinbrenner, the architect whose clear vision had a lasting impact on the fan-shaped city.
His buildings and ideas complemented the Baroque radial system in a unique way and shaped the cityscape that still characterizes Karlsruhe today.
Discover Weinbrenner's life, work, and the places that keep his vision alive – with special tours, events, and inspiring activities throughout the anniversary year.
Who was Friedrich Weinbrenner?
* November 24 1766 in Karlsruhe; † March 1 1826
Architect and urban planner
Friedrich Weinbrenner
Born in Karlsruhe in 1766, the architect and urban planner served as Baden's chief building officer from 1801 onwards. His most important work was the expansion of Karlsruhe into the residence of a German middle state. He also founded a private building school in Karlsruhe. Among his students at the time was Friedrich Arnold, who completed the Ständehaus in Karlsruhe based on Weinbrenner's preliminary work.
Weinbrenner died in 1826, and his sarcophagus is now located in the crypt of the Protestant City Church. In addition, several things in Karlsruhe bear his name, such as Weinbrennerstraße (1897), Weinbrennerplatz (1955), and Weinbrennerschule (2007).
Buildings and urban planning by Friedrich Weinbrenner
Weinbrenner designed thecity expansion, government buildings, churches, and residential buildings in the Neoclassical style, as well as the “via triumphalis”—the central axis of the city layout (Karl-Friedrich-Straße)—which he adorned with public squares that grow in size and grandeur as they approach the castle, extending from Schlossplatz all the way to Ettlinger-Tor-Platz.
Karlsruhe was founded as a Baroque planned city, with a fan-shaped layout radiating out from the palace at its center. The radial streets and sightlines continue to shape the city’s structure to this day, earning Karlsruhe the nickname “Fan City.”
Many of the neoclassical buildings in Karlsruhe were designed by Weinbrenner, including the Margrave’s Palace, City Hall, the Protestant City Church, and the Catholic Parish Church of St. Stephen, as well as the Ständehaus and the State Mint. He also designed the pyramid that still adorns the market square today.
Experience Weinbrenner today
Here you will find current and upcoming events related to Weinbrenner's work.
Guided Tours & Walking Tour of Weinbrenner's Life and Work
Take a tour of the most important sites designed by Karlsruhe's city architect Friedrich Weinbrenner and experience how his classicist architecture continues to shape the cityscape of the fan-shaped city to this day.
Places associated with Weinbrenner's work in Karlsruhe
Further information
Learn more about Friedrich Weinbrenner, his life, his work, and his lasting influence on the cityscape of Karlsruhe.
