Naming ceremony completed: Chemnitz receives Stefan-Heym-Platz
Name dedication part of the week of celebrations to mark Stefan Heym's 100th birthday - Stefan Heym Prize of the City of Chemnitz awarded in the evening - International Stefan Heym Conference takes place on 11 and 12 April
The forecourt of the future State Museum of Archaeology in the former Schocken department stores' is now officially known as Stefan Heym Square. The unveiling of the street sign bearing the name of the writer, who died in 2001, was attended by this year's winner of the International Stefan Heym Prize, Christoph Hein, as well as Inge Heym, Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig and Dr Ulrike Uhlig from the International Stefan Heym Society. The naming was decided by the city council at its meeting on 12 July 2012.
Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig: "The name Stefan Heym now has a visible and prominent place in the centre of the city. That's where he belongs. The free and open character of the square suits its new namesake. It will also be more than just a forecourt for the future State Museum of Archaeology. It will be part of an ambitious museum concept that extends beyond the building. I am delighted that the name Stefan Heym will characterise something new and good in the city."
The naming ceremony was preceded by a year-long remodelling of the square. A new paved surface was laid over an area of 2250m². This blends in visually with other areas of the city centre. The square was also extended by incorporating the railway tracks. A bus stop for coaches was set up on Bahnhofsstraße. The entire square has an open design and can be crossed with virtually no obstacles. Passers-by with limited mobility are guided by tactile and optical guide strips as well as acoustic signals.
The cost of the remodelling is 810,000 euros.
The naming ceremony is part of the celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of Stefan Heym's birth today. In the evening, the €40,000 International Stefan Heym Prize of the City of Chemnitz will be awarded to Christoph Hein. The laudatory speech will be held by the writer Ingo Schulze. In addition, the 3rd International Stefan Heym Conference will take place on 11 and 12 April under the patronage of Friedrich Schorlemmer, attended by academics from all over Europe. In addition, various events such as readings, excursions, film screenings and much more will focus on Stefan Heym throughout the year.
Further information can be found at www.chemnitz.de.