Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller “Cuts the Ribbon” at WHU’s New Building

WHU’s logo loomed large before the newly renovated Bogenhalle, leaving little room for doubt over who is making the new industrial building at the Schwanenhöfe complex in Düsseldorf their home. With this new structure, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management has expanded its presence by 1,600 m² and is now able to offer participants in its Executive Education Programsa rather attractive new space. With Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf, in attendance, the building was opening on October 31, 2022. The mayor said, “Above all else, Düsseldorf distinguishes itself as a center of business and science. At WHU, these two areas unite in a productive way.” According to him, WHU, as a provider in the scientific and educational arenas, is an important pillar of one of Germany’s most thickly settled corporate landscapes.

The building, a structure made of steel, concrete, and glass that originally functioned as a factory floor for Henkel and was later used by fashion brand G-Star RAW, completes the grounds of the Schwanenhöfe on the northwest side. After a complete renovation, it now boasts two lecture halls, eight group workrooms, a meeting space on the upper floor, a catering and bistro area downstairs, and a glass courtyard for a little relaxation. Behind the spacious and open reception area, the wall of green moss creates a modern, feel-good ambience and brings a bit of nature into the studio-like building. On the steel girder above the reception area stands a piece of art by Stefanie Welk: a human figure constructed of strips of sheet metal that reflects courage and dynamism. Visitors will also catch sight of some colorful and powerful paintings on the upper floor. On loan from the artist Bernd Schwarzer, these pieces focus on Europe and the war playing out in Ukraine.

The WHU Foundation financed the renovation of the building. In his speech, Dr. Toni Calabretti, Chairman of the Foundation, took the audience back to 2009, when the decision was first made to open a second location for the school and to do so in Düsseldorf. He showed his joy at how quickly the Bogenhalle, with construction work starting only in March of this year, was able to be converted. He thanked Peter Christ, Head of Administration at WHU; Alexander Berger, the project manager; the team of architects at Phase 5; the Schwanenhöfe Grundstücksgesellschaft [Schwanenhöfe Real Estate Agency]; and all the utilities teams involved.

“I’m thrilled that our Executive Education Program has found a new home in this radiant building and its inspiring atmosphere,” said Professor Markus Rudolf, Dean of WHU. “WHU has always committed to excellence and must expand its offerings in order to compete with other top business schools around the world. The addition of this modern academic space for continued managerial education will help us achieve our goal.”