The Franckesche Stiftungen (Francke Foundation)

The Franckesche Stiftungen were built around 300 years ago, on the verge of the city of Halle. Today, the foundation is still counted among the central buildings of the city centre. The beginning of the entire complex was the orphanage.

August Herman Francke (1663 - 1727), the positive pietist, founded the institution with only a few thalers, to establish an educational and social organization for the poor. During the 18th century the foundation emerges into a European center of pietism and enlightenment. Although the buildings were left to decay mainly during the last 45 years, great parts of the original foundation complex were preserved.
In Fall 1991 the reconstruction and renovation of the Franckesche Stiftungen began, situated in the heart of the city of Halle. With the reopening of the orphanage, the October of the year 1995, a first climax was achieved in the restoration works. Concealed for decades, the valuable collections could be opened to the public again.