The exhaus
in figures

The History of the eXhaus

Construction of the building in the 7th century, as the east wing and the only remaining part of St. Marien Monastery. In 1807, the monastery was largely demolished by Napoleon's troops, and from 1815 it was used by Prussian troops as a residence for officers, the so-called "Excellencies". It was from here that General von Trotha also set out with his troops, among other things, to commit the genocide of the Herero and Nama.

After the Second World War, the building was initially used as a storage facility and fell into increasing disrepair, until in the early 1970s young people found a place there to spend time undisturbed. In 1972, Exzellenzhaus e.V. was founded there, and with the support of the City of Trier, operated the entire building as a youth centre.

For many decades, the historic building between the Mosel Stadium and the Nordbad was used by young people and those young at heart. The overall concept most recently included a children's day-care centre, the state media authority, the fan project of the football club Eintracht Trier, music and rehearsal rooms, and facilities for various (especially music) events.

The building, founded approximately 1,400 years ago and continually developed, was repeatedly in parts dilapidated. As early as the beginning of the 1980s, the south wing had to be renovated. In 2015, various measures were taken to ensure fire safety during events. In 2018, a part of the building had to be closed again, and in 2019, it was completely closed due to a wood fungus and other structural defects. Individual trades were distributed throughout the city, while others were left without a home. The association subsequently had to file for insolvency.

Also in 2019, active individuals as well as former employees and supporters of the eXhaus joined forces and founded the eXhaus bleibt! action alliance as a guarantor of activity to revive the eXhaus. Various actions were launched, including a citizens' initiative, many demonstrations, and participation in the municipal eXhaus working group. Kulturgraben e.V. was founded from the eXhaus movement, as were Zukunft im eXhaus e.V. and now the cooperative eXhaus eG. We are continuing to make history – be a part of it!