On October 31, 2022, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management celebrated the opening of its new industrial building at the Schwanenhöfe complex in Düsseldorf with Dr. Stephan Keller, Mayor of the City of Düsseldorf, in attendance. The new Executive Education Learning Center and so-called “Bogenhalle” now offers managers and executives that are seeking shorter educational formats instead of a full study program at WHU an even more attractive learning atmosphere with 1,600 m2 tailored to their needs. Both Customized Programs, tailor-made for companies, and Open Programs for individual participants, will use the new Executive Education Learning Center to host their programs.
The building, made of steel, concrete, and glass, which was originally a factory floor for Henkel before being used by the fashion brand G-Star RAW, completes the grounds of the Schwanenhöfe on the northwest side. After a complete renovation, it now boasts two lecture halls, eight group workrooms, a meeting space on the upper floor, a catering and bistro area downstairs, and a glass courtyard for a little relaxation. Behind the spacious and open reception area, the wall of green moss creates a modern, feel-good ambiance and brings a bit of nature into the studio-like building. On the steel girder above the reception area stands a piece of art by Stefanie Welk: a human figure constructed of sheet metal strips reflecting courage and dynamism. Visitors will also catch sight of some colorful and powerful paintings on the upper floor. On loan from the artist Bernd Schwarzer, these pieces focus on Europe and the war playing out in Ukraine.
The WHU Foundation financed the acquisition and renovation of the building. In his speech, Dr. Toni Calabretti, Chairman of the Foundation, took the audience back to 2009, when the decision was first made to open a second location for the school and to do so in Düsseldorf. He showed his joy at how quickly the Bogenhalle, with construction work starting only in March of this year, was able to be converted.
“I’m thrilled that our Executive Education Program has found a new home in this radiant building and its inspiring atmosphere,” said Professor Markus Rudolf, Dean of WHU. “WHU has always committed to excellence and must expand its offerings in order to compete with other top business schools around the world. The addition of this modern academic space for continued managerial education will help us achieve our goal.”