The prestigious Fridericianum grammar school on the Pfaffenteich in Schwerin was commissioned by Friedrich Franz II and built by Hermann Willebrand in 1868-1870. The elongated, two-storey brick building dominates the eastern shore and combines historical references and modern elements in its architecture. Today it houses the Medical School of Hamburg campus.
The Gymnasium Fridericianum, an impressive school building on the eastern bank of Schwerin's Pfaffenteich, was commissioned by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II and served to educate the elite in Mecklenburg. Between 1868 and 1870, the architect Hermann Willebrand created an architectural masterpiece that is still admired today for its form and function. The elongated, two-storey brick building rises up in front of a spacious courtyard and overlooks the Pfaffenteich, which means that it stands in a visual axis to the grand ducal administrative buildings on the west bank.
The architectural style of the Fridericianum combines historical and modern elements. The light, red-accented brick façade with its impressive plinth zone, cornices and parapet is based on the historical parts of Schwerin Castle's Old Palace. Particularly noteworthy is the gable zone of the central risalit with medallions of Johann Albrecht and Ulrich III, flanked by terracotta portraits of Friedrich Franz I and Friedrich Franz II. The elevated staircase and the imposing building front reflect the high standards of the educational institution at the time and underline the prestigious overall appearance. The building was used as a grammar school until 1998 and now houses the university campus of the MEdical School of Hamburg.
