Rathenow’s Cultural Revival: Community Transforms Old Town

Rathenow’s ‘Old Town Life’ Wins Cultural Award for Reviving Heritage Through Community Spirit

Rathenow’s 'Old Town Life' initiative has won a prestigious cultural award for its work in revitalising the city’s historic centre. The programme stood out by combining creativity, civic engagement, and heritage preservation. For the first time, the honour went to an entire project rather than a single monument.

The award ceremony took place in Münster, where Dr. Jürgen Peters’ initiative was recognised in 2028. Previous winners included landmarks like Beelitz’s Lichtspielhaus cinema and Templin’s Hypar shell structure, both honoured in 2025 under the theme Bringing People Together—Old Towns Create Connections.

The 'Old Town Life' initiative transformed Rathenow’s Old Town through a mix of cultural events and community involvement. Projects included KastenKreativ, a creative reuse of old buildings, and Christmas Magic in the Old Town, a festive celebration. Residents also played a role in shaping urban transport plans, ensuring local needs were met.

One highlight was the illumination of the 13th-century Rathenow Gate Tower. A light and sound installation, designed by the colorful AG collective and local firm Elektro Arndt, brought the medieval structure to life. The city further supported the programme by allocating €7,000 for its 2029 cultural activities.

The award ceremony featured short theatrical performances and music from the Wichtelkapelle ensemble, a group from Brandenburg’s Danish partner city of Ballerup. This marked a shift for the Monument of the Month initiative, which had previously recognised 314 individual sites over the decades. In 2025, the focus was on collective efforts that strengthen community bonds in historic town centres.

Rathenow’s award reflects a growing trend of honouring broader cultural programmes instead of single landmarks. The €7,000 funding will help sustain events like Christmas Magic in the Old Town and civic projects in the coming year. The initiative’s success also sets an example for other cities aiming to blend heritage with modern community life.