The German government has restored the Alte Feste building in Windhoek by $3.2 million to support efforts to maintain Namibian cultural heritage. This funding allows for extensive repairs and rehabilitation of 19th century structures. It will be reused as a National Museum of Genocide and a centre for arts, crafts and heritage. The restoration, scheduled to begin in late 2025, will be partnering with the Government of Namibia, the Namibian Craft Center, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, and the U.S. Ambassador's Cultural Conservation Fund and additional donors. Firstrand Foundation.
Originally built in 1890 as the headquarters of German colonial forces, Alte Feste has played a variety of roles before it closed to the public in 2014 due to structural concerns. Germany's Ambassador Tolsten Hatter highlighted the role of the project to promote historical reflection and dialogue on colonial history. Germany previously supported preservation efforts at the site, and since 1985 it has contributed over 1.5 million euros to Namibian cultural heritage projects. The renovation is intended to transform historic places into spaces for cultural exchange and memory.
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Source: Namibian
