The German Chemical Society (GDCh) calls for donations for the Liebig Museum in Gießen . The museum was severely damaged by fire on December 5, 2022.

"We are dismayed by the destruction of this unique lecture hall," says Dr. Karsten Danielmeier, President of the GDCh. "As chemists we know that Justus von Liebig was a pioneer of modern chemistry and his laboratory is an important testament to that. Therefore, we, the chemical community in Germany, would like to contribute to the reconstruction of this unique building. We ask our members and everyone who is close to chemistry to support the reconstruction with donations.” The GDCh has set up a donation account for this purpose (see below).

The fire broke out in the historic lecture hall of Justus Liebig's laboratory for reasons that have not yet been finally clarified. Not only the lecture hall, which was regularly used for historical experimental lectures, was severely damaged by the fire. Other rooms in the laboratory were also severely affected by the soot produced by the fire. According to current estimates, the damage is at least 100,000 euros. The museum is closed until further notice.

As tragic as the destruction of the historic lecture hall is, Professor Gerd Hamscher, Chairman of the Justus Liebig Society, also sees it as an opportunity to carry out urgently needed renovations in the museum as part of the renovation, particularly in terms of building and security technology and energy-saving measures. “The Justus Liebig Society in Gießen , as the sponsor of the museum, is financed exclusively by membership fees, entrance fees, rent and, above all, donations. We are therefore very grateful to the GDCh and all other supporters for their help," says Hamscher, who is also chairman of the Food Chemical Society, the largest Division of the GDCh.

The Liebig Museum is the historical laboratory of the chemist Justus von Liebig, where he worked from 1824 to 1852. It informs not only trade visitors, but all interested parties about Liebig's life and work in Gießen. Today it is one of the ten most important museums for the history of chemistry . In 2003, the German Chemical Society honored Liebig's place of work as a "historical site of chemistry". The European Chemical Society (EuChemS) also presented the Liebig Laboratory with the EuChemS Historical Landmarks Award to recognize its outstanding role in the history of chemistry . The award will be presented shortly. The Liebig Laboratory is currently applying for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is to be maintained despite the fire.

Justus von Liebig (1803-1873) is considered one of the most important chemists in Germany. Among other things, he founded modern mineral fertilization. He developed pioneering analytical methods and founded one of the most important journals in the field of chemistry, which after his death was named "Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie" in his honor.

Donation account:
German Chemical Society registered association
IBAN DE85 5008 0000 0490 0200 00
Purpose "Liebig Museum"

All donors will receive a donation receipt.