Journey into the past
New look for historic fort
The renovation and refurbishment of the Alte Feste is progressing well. Each phase is being carefully documented to ensure that future generations will have both a restored fort and a detailed record of the structure's renovation and revitalization.
The restoration of one of the nation’s capital’s most recognisable national monuments, the Alte Feste, represents far more to the country’s heritage than just paint, bricks, cement and plaster. It is akin to dedicated detective work and a journey into the past to uncover hidden layers in the masonry, understand original construction methods, and ultimately decide what to rebuild and what to restore.One of Windhoek’s most distinctive landmarks, whose foundation stone was laid 135 years ago, first served as a military fort, then as a school, a student residence, and later as a museum. The Alte Feste, also Windhoek’s oldest building, is slowly but surely gaining a new look thanks to intensive and comprehensive restoration work. Upon completion, the building, constructed in 1890 by the German colonial administration as a military fort and designed by Curt von François, will become a centre for remembrance, art, culture and heritage.
In addition to its use as the headquarters of the German Schutztruppe and as accommodation, including for women and children during the Herero War of 190, it was used by South African troops after the First World War and later as a boarding school for Windhoek High School. The fort was declared a national monument in 1957 and converted into a museum in 1962, but has been closed since 2014.
In its new form, the Alte Feste will house, among other things, the National Genocide Museum and the Namibian Craft Centre. The latter, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport and Culture, is leading the fort’s redevelopment - a project that not only celebrates Namibia’s history but also creates new opportunities for Namibian talent and community participation.
Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding, a committee was formed with representatives from the ministry, the Windhoek Municipality, project partners, and heritage experts. A geotechnical and structural study of the building at the end of 2024 revealed both strengths and challenges: the fort stands on solid bedrock, providing great stability, but decades of rain, poor drainage, and termite activity have eroded the lower walls, leaving gaps between the stones.
The renovation work
The sandstone has weathered and cracks have developed, particularly in the north-eastern tower. However, the Alte Feste's courtyard remains stable and ready to accommodate a new roof and museum facilities once a new rainwater drainage system is installed. Vegetation has been removed, termites controlled, and a new drainage system will keep water away from the foundations in the future.
The north-eastern tower has already been stabilised with concrete columns, and cracks in the upper walls have been reinforced with stainless steel anchors. Restoration work began on the west wing in January this year. In July, inspections by the Nama Traditional Leaders Association, the Ovaherero Genocide Foundation, and the National Heritage Council confirmed the scope of Phase 1, which focuses on the western façade, veranda, and two towers.
A report on Phase 1 will be presented to the three parties. Discussions with traditional authorities and representatives of the German community are ongoing, and experts have been selected to contribute to the design and concept of the Genocide Museum.
The project team removed modern materials and opted for a traditional lime mixture on the west façade, while retaining the original colours when reconstructing a damaged loading dock. Cracks were stabilised with steel rods, and roof beams and slabs were replaced with a modern system consistent with the original design.
This strengthens the structure, protects the fort’s historic features, and ensures that the building will be preserved for future generations. As the restoration project is also a journey into history, further discoveries are expected. Each phase will be carefully documented to ensure that future generations inherit not only a restored fort but also a detailed record of its history, construction and revitalisation.