Bundesverwaltungsgericht (Federal Administrative Court), Leipzig

The Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht) is one of the five federal supreme courts of Germany, serving as the highest court of appeals for administrative law cases. These cases typically involve disputes between individuals and the government, or between different government entities. Established on June 8, 1953, the court was originally based in Berlin but relocated to Leipzig in 2002.

The court reviews appeals from the Superior Administrative Courts, which handle appeals from the Lower Administrative Courts. Notably, cases involving social security or tax law, despite also being disputes between individuals and the government, fall under the jurisdiction of other specialized courts—the Federal Social Court handles social security matters, while tax and customs law cases are overseen by the Financial Courts and ultimately the Federal Finance Court.

The Federal Administrative Court is housed in the historic former Reich Court of Justice building in Leipzig. Constructed between 1888 and 1895 by architects Ludwig Hoffmann and Peter Dybwad, the building reflects the late historism style, incorporating elements of Italian Renaissance and French Baroque architecture. Approximately one-third of the structure was destroyed during World War II. It was later restored and reopened in 1952 as the Georgi-Dimitroff-Museum, a fine arts museum.

Between 1996 and 2001, the building underwent extensive renovations, including the addition of a hidden extra floor. Since August 26, 2002, it has served as the seat of the Federal Administrative Court. The official dedication of the building took place on September 12, 2002. The entrance hall and the grand conference hall of this impressive historic structure are open to tourists, showcasing the architectural splendor of the building's restoration.