PF25 site histories

 

 

 

PF25 is located in Spalenhof at Spalenberg 12 and Pfeffergässlein 25, which is a site of significant cultural, historical and architectural importance at the heart of the old town of Basel.

 

With its partial Romanesque foundation laid in the 13th century, Spalenhof tells many valued Basel stories: from the earthquake in 1356 to the chivalric legend Knight Heinrich von Ramstein who resided here in 1437.  Another owner of the house was Bürgermeister (mayor) of Basel Kaspar Krug who met with Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Empire in 1563.  It then turned into a merchant’s house owned by businessman Isaak Dreyfuss in 1835, one of the first Jews to settle in Basel.

 

The painting of Justitia in the late Renaissance style commissioned by Krug in the 16th century resurfaced on the courtyard facade during a conversion of the building in 1964.

 

The building was sold to the City of Basel in 1956. Theater Fauteuil opened in 1957, Tabourettli in 1971 and the 16th century embellishments under gypsum walls and plaster ceilings by Krug were unearthed in the Kaisersaal (Emperor's Room) in 1979. Does it relate to the meeting between Krug and Ferdinand I? 

 

In 1986, Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava worked on the overall renovation of the house including the structural conservation and custom furniture. It was one of earliest architectural commissions in his career.  The theatre reopened its door in 1989 and has become as a leading performing arts venue in Switzerland.

 

These form part of the historic and architectural features of the PF25 site.

A research on the history of the building is in progress. Please reach out to our team if you have information or leads to any history, story, conservation work back from the 1960's.

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