Millions in funding for new natural history museum

The conversion of the listed Octagon into the new Natural History Museum on Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz in Leipzig has been pushed forward. Saxony's State Secretary for Infrastructure, Sören Trillenberg, handed over a funding decision for 59.5 million euros to Leipzig's Mayor of Culture Skadi Jennicke and Museum Director Ronny Maik Leder in the dilapidated octagon.

"By renovating this important monument, we are not only investing in the preservation of our cultural heritage, but also in the future of our region," said Trillenberg according to the press release.

The funding comes from the federal government's Coal Region Investment Act. The city of Leipzig had already received funding from this investment pot for the gutting of the building in 2024.

Underground exhibition space planned

The Oktagon on Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz has already been undergoing core renovation for more than a year. However, the conversion to a natural history museum is still in the early stages. Both the underground "West Hall" and the "East Hall" are to be converted into exhibition spaces. The dilapidated octagon will become the museum's reception hall.

The building extends more than 15 meters down over four floors. Where today there are still dilapidated bowling alleys, exhibition space of over 3,500 square meters is to be created in the future. The conversion is due to be completed in 2029.