Historical chairs for Bad Honnef's chapel: an architectural work of honor!

Historical chairs for Bad Honnef's chapel: an architectural work of honor!

In Bad Honnef, a particular commitment is causing a stir: Christine Lutz, a local architect, has worked intensively on the chapel at the forest cemetery. Their attention fell on an impressive collection of 50 chairs of the “Santo” model, which were originally designed for the New Cemetery Chapel. These chairs, by designer Edlef Bandixen, found their way to Lutz via an online auction house. Apparently they come from the Berlin Cathedral and were offered by a Berlin school. A stroke of luck that symbolizes the connection between tradition and modernity, you could say, because the chairs are sought-after collector's items today. There is great curiosity about what there is to say about it!

The architecture student Tizian Rein—grandson of the architect Hans Uwe Rein—was responsible for transporting the chairs from Berlin and temporarily storing them at his home. The chairs made their first official appearance at a symbolic handover on June 2, 2025, when two of them were handed over to the city of Bad Honnef. Mayor Otto Neuhoff and other committed supporters were among those present. During the handover it was agreed that the chairs should find their final place after the renovation of the chapel was completed. These measures should be completed in time for Konrad Adenauer's 150th birthday in January 2026.

Disturbances in the cemetery project

But not everything went smoothly. 42 “Santo” chairs that had been disposed of as kindling in a container were previously discovered in the Rhöndorf cemetery. Titian Rein came across the neglected chairs during a visit and was shocked by their condition. The city of Bad Honnef justified the disposal with a report from 2017 that confirmed “massive contamination” by mold. The city estimated the material damage at around 2,000 euros, while online offers for Santo chairs vary between 300 and over 1,000 euros each, depending on their condition.

The loss of these unique chairs is now seen not only as a material loss, but also as an ideal loss, as they cannot be replaced. The city had the support of an expert report, but the decision to dispose of the chairs met with resistance. Titian Rein then offered to help with the renovation of the chapel, but this was rejected by the city. The debate about the fate of the chairs continues to escalate, and it will be exciting to see how the city will respond to the criticism.

The future of the chapel

Despite the difficulties, the restoration of the chapel remains an important project for Bad Honnef. With the symbolism of the word “Santo”, which is often understood as sacred or sublime, it is hoped to unite these values ​​in an architectural framework. Historically, pieces of furniture like these chairs are not just utilitarian items; they tell stories and contribute to the atmosphere of a place. The anticipation of the chapel's reopening next January is not only justified, but is also characterized by a noticeable spirit of optimism.

While the city of Bad Honnef is working on its renovation, it remains to be seen how the situation surrounding the historic chairs will develop. News about the Old Chapel is expected next week. Cause finita or just the beginning of even more discussions? We'll stick with it!