German state election draws Bauhaus into AfD culture war
Germany’s historic Bauhaus school, one of the world’s most influential design movements, has become the center of a heated political conflict ahead of a crucial state election in Saxony-Anhalt.
The far-right AfD (*Alternative für Deutschland* — Alternative for Germany), currently leading in polls for the September election, has pledged to introduce a “new patriotic cultural policy.” As part of this agenda, the party has singled out Bauhaus, portraying it as a symbol of rootless global modernism that conflicts with traditional German identity.
AfD cultural spokesperson Hans-Thomas Tillschneider criticized Bauhaus, claiming it represents *Entwurzelung* (deracination or loss of roots) and architectural dislocation. He argued that Bauhaus reflects the architecture of globalization rather than a culture grounded in national heritage.
Founded in Germany after World War I by architect Walter Gropius, the Bauhaus school revolutionized global architecture and design by combining function with simplicity. Its use of concrete, glass, and steel shaped modern buildings worldwide, while its influence extended into household products such as chairs, lamps, and furniture. The movement was banned under Nazi rule, and its sites in Weimar, Dessau, and Bernau were later recognized as UNESCO World Heritage locations.
Barbara Steiner, director of the Bauhaus in Dessau, warned that the AfD’s criticism extends beyond the institution itself and threatens Germany’s broader cultural diversity. She said Bauhaus and its values do not align with the AfD’s interpretation of German history, which instead emphasizes historical figures such as Heinrich I, Otto I, Martin Luther, and Otto von Bismarck.
The AfD’s program also attacks what it calls soulless modern architecture, theaters that do not prioritize German plays, and public funding for allegedly “anti-German” art and culture. The party argues that architecture should return to classical and traditional styles rather than modernist designs dominated by glass and concrete.
Despite its criticism, Tillschneider said an AfD-led government would not shut down the Bauhaus institute. He stated that the party wants to decide more carefully what cultural projects receive public support, while insisting it does not intend to ban artistic expression.
The broader concern lies in what an AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt could mean for the rest of Germany. Political analyst Michael Kolkmann said the state could become a blueprint for wider cultural and educational reforms if the party gains power. Since German states have significant control over education and cultural affairs, such changes could have long-term national implications.
Universities and cultural institutions have expressed growing concern, particularly after the AfD proposed removing courses related to gender studies and post-colonialism. Critics fear such policies could undermine academic freedom and institutional independence.
While legal and constitutional protections limit how far any state government can go, the debate has already intensified. Steiner noted that Bauhaus is globally recognized, and any serious attempt to weaken or discredit it would attract worldwide attention, turning a regional political fight into an international controversy.