Lübeck granary converted into columbarium

A 150 year old granary in Lübeck, originally built by the father of Nobel laureate Thomas Mann, has been repurposed into a columbarium named “Die Eiche”. The seven story brick building, located on the Trave, now serves as a site for urn burials.

The conversion project, which cost a high seven figure sum and took four years to complete, was initiated by Michael Angern and Peggy Morenz. Angern, an IT specialist, originally purchased the building in 2013 for his software company before deciding to invest in the alternative burial site.

The facility features a ground floor mourning hall with restored Austrian church benches capable of seating 100 guests. A central six meter high light sculpture by Swiss artist Madlaina Lys hangs in the hall. The Salvation Army serves as the operator of the site.