Exploration of Dusseldorf's Past

On September 8, the city of Düsseldorf will open its doors to reveal its rich history and architectural marvels during the Day of Open Monuments. This event, running parallel to the Day of Open Monuments nationwide, is organised by the Ministry of Economics, Innovation, Digitalization, and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The programme, presented by Cornelia Zuschke, the deputy mayor for monument protection in Düsseldorf, will offer a diverse range of activities for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, the curious, sports enthusiasts, music lovers, and children.

One of the highlights of the day will be tours led by Prof. Dr. Horst A. Wessel and Reinhard Lutum through the famous Mannesmann High-Rise and the former Mannesmann site. Designed by Paul Schneider-Esleben, a native of Düsseldorf and one of the most prominent architects of the post-war period, the Mannesmann High-Rise, constructed in the mid-1950s, was an experiment in several ways, with new building methods and materials.

The Day of Open Monuments in Düsseldorf is not solely focused on the Bauhaus movement but on all revolutionary ideas or technical advances of the last centuries that have led to upheavals in art, architecture, or urban planning. The first steel skeleton building with a curtain facade in Germany had nationwide impact.

Other attractions include free rides on historic vehicles, free swimming at the protected Münster-Therme, and a shellac record concert at the registry office in the Inselstraße. For those interested in virtual reality experiences, the project "#urbana" offers immersive tours to discover Bauhaus buildings and more.

The program brochure, available on the monument authority's website and at various locations in the city, assists with individual discovery tours. The project "#bauhauswow" presents impressive images of an architectural journey to strongholds of the Bauhaus in the west.

Svenja Schrickel, head of the monument authority, finds tours through Benrath, Oberkassel, or Kasernenstraße particularly interesting, as they offer a holistic view of the innovation of entire neighborhoods.

The German Foundation for Monument Protection, the initiator of the nationwide event, is tying in with the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus. The city that was the focal point for this event in 2019 was Weimar.

Harald Gries, head of the Internal Service Department in the ministry, presented the colorful program alongside Christof Rose from the Chamber of Architects North Rhine-Westphalia and Jan-Paul Laarmann from Tourismus NRW e.V. at a press conference on September 2. Cornelia Zuschke, deputy mayor for monument protection in Düsseldorf, expresses gratitude to the numerous organisers who contribute to the Day of Open Monuments on a voluntary basis, without whom the event would not be possible in its diversity.

The Day of Open Monuments in Düsseldorf will be officially opened by Cornelia Zuschke and Minister Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart at the former Mannesmann High-Rise. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the eventful history of Düsseldorf and its districts in an intense way.