© Cedric Letsch / Unsplash
Neumünster Abbey has a riveting history: before it became a centre for culture and events, it was actually a prison.
The abbey was initially founded in 1083, yet after numerous destructions, the building was reconstructed over time. In 1602, Benediction monks occupied the abbey, then it adopted many purposes: the abbey was used as an office during the French Revolution, as a hospital, and finally as a prison.
The former soldier and author Marcel Jullian
During the German occupation in World War II, the abbey served as a detention centre for war prisoners. Among them was a man called Marcel Jullian, who narrowly escaped execution, with the help of the good will of a German guard who told him how to flee. The escaped soldier, later enriched French culture by becoming a popular author. Among other works, Marcel Jullian wrote the script for “La Grande Vadrouille” which became one of the most succesful films in the history of French cinema. To honour him, the entrance to the abbey was christened “Agora Marcel Jullian”.
Marcel Jullian
The inauguration of the heritage site for culture
The abbey was used as a prison until as late as 1970, even though the conditions were terrible which led to many uprisings. Long discussions about the future purpose of the abbey ensued its closure in 1985. Finally, it was agreed to become a cultural centre.
Since its opening in 2004, Neumünster Abbey hosts artists’ residences, exhibitions, conferences and events. Marcel Jullian himself attended the opening ceremony, to witness how his former prison cell had been turned into a cluster of creativity and freedom.
More details concerning the history of the abbey as well as the video report in French can be found on RTL Infos.
© Cedric Letsch / Unsplash
