Long-time leader of the Mainzer Unterhaus Association, passes away at 85 years old.
In the heart of Mainz, Germany, the Unterhaus has long been a beacon of cultural vibrancy, attracting visitors from near and far. This lively cultural stage owes much of its success to Barbara Rupp, a dynamic and creative figure who dedicated several decades to its development.
Barbara Rupp's journey with the Unterhaus began in 1982, when she was one of the seven founding members of its support association. Her commitment and dedication were evident from the start, and she would go on to play a pivotal role in shaping the Unterhaus's future.
In 1983, Barbara Rupp took over the chairmanship of the support association and held it for an impressive 25 years. During this time, she was instrumental in navigating the Unterhaus through challenging times, ensuring its survival and growth.
One of her most significant achievements was the structural expansion of the Unterhaus towards Münsterstraße, which was opened on October 30, 1994. This expansion was made possible by the urban development around the former City Hilton, and it significantly expanded the Unterhaus's capacity to host a wider variety of events and performances.
Barbara Rupp's efforts extended beyond the physical expansion of the Unterhaus. She played a significant role in enabling members of the "Leipziger Pfeffermühle" ensemble to perform at the Mainz Unterhaus during DDR times. This collaboration helped to foster a spirit of artistic exchange and cooperation, further enriching the cultural landscape of Mainz.
Under Barbara Rupp's leadership, the Unterhaus moved into its long-standing venue, a former wine cellar, in 1971. This move marked a significant milestone in the Unterhaus's history, and it has since become a staple of Mainz's cultural scene.
Barbara Rupp's contributions to the Unterhaus were not overlooked. She was honoured many times, including with the Meritorious Service Medal of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate and the "Mainz Pfennig". Her dedication to the Unterhaus and its support association was also recognised by her appointment as honorary chairwoman after her retirement from office in 2008.
Hans Jacobshagen, the founding chairman of the support association, expressed that the association would keep Barbara Rupp's memory alive. Ce-eff Krüger, one of the Unterhaus co-founders, stated that Barbara Rupp always worked with great dedication and empathy for the Unterhaus and its support association. Marianne Grosse, Mainz's cultural commissioner and chairwoman of the Unterhaus Foundation e.V., praised Rupp as a person who significantly shaped the Mainz Unterhaus.
Barbara Rupp passed away on July 24, 2025, and was buried on August 7, 2025, at the cemetery in Mainz-Weisenau. Her legacy lives on in the thriving cultural institution she helped to create, and her memory continues to be cherished by those who knew and admired her.
The bell from the "Arche Nova", an old ship's bell donated by Hans Dieter Hüsch, now rings at every performance at the Unterhaus. This bell is not only a trademark of the German Small Art Prize awarded by the Unterhaus but also a symbol of Barbara Rupp's enduring impact on this cultural gem in Mainz.
The Unterhaus' growth and success in entertainment were deeply rooted in Barbara Rupp's dedication as she served as the chairperson of its support association for 25 years. Within her leadership, she facilitated collaborations with celebrities like the "Leipziger Pfeffermühle" ensemble, fostering artistic exchange and enriching Mainz's cultural landscape.
