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Nuremberg Kultur (Shortcut: 0)
Information about the Former Nazi Party Rally Grounds
1. Stations 2. Gallery

3. Volksfestplatz

Merry-go-round on the Nuremberg Funfair, with the Congress Hall in the background, 1970

Merry-go-round on the Nuremberg Funfair, with the Congress Hall in the background, 1970 (Stadtarchiv Nuremberg).

The area around the two Dutzendteich lake lakes has been a popular destination for outings since the 19th century. After the end of World War II, the City set up the Dutzendteich lake leisure park anew. It includes the Luitpold Grove, the area of the former zoo and the area of the planned German Stadium. Since 1953, annual public funfairs are held on the space near the Congress Hall. The space is also used for other major events.

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Old Zoo

Entrance to the zoo, about 1930.

Entrance to the zoo, about 1930 (Bayerisches Hauptstaatsarchiv).

Aerial view of the old zoo.

Aerial view of the old zoo
(Stadtarchiv Nuremberg) .

On 11 May, 1912, a zoo could be opened in this area, due to the committed efforts of citizens who had founded a zoo joint stock company. Citizens from all walks of life had bought share certificates. At the time of opening, 193 species were represented here, and the number of animals increased rapidly. In 1913, more than 800,000 visitors flocked to the zoo. Even in the times of crisis of World War I and the subsequent years, the zoo could be maintained.

 

Plan of the Party Rally Grounds, 1937 postcard

Plan of the Party Rally Grounds, 1937 postcard (Documentation Centre).

With his concept for the Party Rally Grounds, architect Albert Speer emphasised the beginning of the Great Street with two big towers. A “Building for Cultural Conferences” and an “Exhibition Palace” were planned opposite the Congress Hall. The zoo stood in the way of these plans. In 1939, the National Socialists therefore had the zoo moved to the Schmausenbuck area to the east of Nuremberg.