On Friday, 18 September 2026, the foundation stone was laid for the new corporate headquarters of Thalia Bücher GmbH in Dortmund. The project, known as "Thalia KulturQuartier", is being developed around the former Bundesbank building on Hiltropwall and is scheduled for completion by mid-2028. With this development, the company is relocating its main site from Hagen to Dortmund city centre, which entails the move of approximately 500 employees.
In addition to modern office spaces, the new complex will include a concept bookshop, a bistro, and premises for readings and cultural events. The ceremonial groundbreaking was carried out in the presence of Dortmund's Lord Mayor Alexander Kalouti. Ingo Kretzschmar, Chairman of the Management Board of Thalia, spoke about the project's goal of creating a new home for Thalia and establishing itself as an integral part of the city of Dortmund. The aim, he stated, was to view the new centre not merely as a building 'in' Dortmund, but as a building 'from' and 'for' Dortmund, bringing together the city's community and promoting reading.
Comprehensive Transformation and Architectural Integration
The realisation of the "Thalia KulturQuartier" involves the comprehensive refurbishment of the listed former Bundesbank building, which will be complemented by an extension on Poststraße. Distinctive existing elements of the historic structure will be preserved and integrated into the new building ensemble. The plan foresees both parts of the building forming the Thalia KulturQuartier in the future. The Kölbl Group from Essen, owner of the listed Bundesbank building since 2023, is responsible for the development. Stephan Kölbl emphasised the need for attractive and vibrant places in city centres that draw people in. He highlighted that this historical site would create both an architecturally sophisticated ensemble and a catalyst for the urban community, which he described as genuine urban development.
The construction work for the new build and refurbishment is being carried out by the Dortmund construction company Freundlieb, based on designs by the Hamburg architectural firm BAID. Inside the complex, diverse office and working areas will be created for the approximately 500 employees. This includes not only traditional workstations but also spaces for project work, meetings, and informal exchanges. The technical infrastructure is designed for hybrid working and collaboration with other Thalia locations. Additionally, green inner courtyards and a parent-child office are planned. A "Buch & Bohne Bistro" offering lunch is intended to serve as a central meeting point for employees.
Opening to the Urban Community
A central aspect of the new corporate headquarters is the integration of a concept bookshop, where new product range and store concepts will be developed and tested in the future. Parts of the Thalia KulturQuartier are planned to be accessible to the public. For this purpose, readings, cultural events, and other meeting formats are envisaged. Ingo Kretzschmar stressed that Thalia believes in a world where content matters, and this vision should also be made spatially visible in Dortmund. The Thalia KulturQuartier is thus conceived as a place where work is done, people come together, and books and culture find their permanent place.
