Playing, laughing, being loud, romping, doing nothing – and that in an exhibition house! From September 4, 2024, BAUBAU invites exactly that. In the play space for children designed by artist Kerstin Brätsch, more is allowed than forbidden. Colorful wallpapers, structures, objects, and a range of “Loose Parts” form spaces on the ground floor of the Gropius Bau that do not impose fixed guidelines but are determined by the activities of the children. They dictate the direction and form of what happens here. Thus, this place becomes a space of possibilities that can change day by day.

BAUBAU will launch in September 2024 in a prototype version and will continue to develop and grow over the coming years both inside and outside the Gropius Bau – in close exchange with the children and their wishes, as this is their place.

The Play
All children have the urge to play. This is how they learn to understand themselves and the world. Especially open, self-determined play is of great significance for emotional and social development. The educational concept for BAUBAU is therefore based on the principles of free play: Here, there is time, space, and permission for children to follow their own needs and interests. They are accompanied by playworkers – trained staff who create a safe and supportive environment where children can play freely.

 
The Art
BAUBAU playfully questions what a museum or an art institution should be. The comprehensive spatial design developed by Kerstin Brätsch is full of references and inspirations: elements from her previous works, such as marbling, paintings, or stucco marble work, reappear here in altered forms and materialities. The wallpapers, curtains, fabrics, seating furniture, and climbing structures are inhabited by dinosaurs, fantastical beings, termite mounds, and abstract elements. With their strange, funny, and perhaps a bit eerie shapes, they create an open framework for free play.

Kerstin Brätsch's practice is designed to allow and incorporate influences from outside. While she has previously collaborated with artists or artisans, she now does so in a completely different way with children: She invites the children to reshape and further develop the space according to their own ideas and visions, without the influence of the artist in unpredictable ways.

Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 12:00–18:00
Sat, Sun 11:00–18:00
Tue closed

Welcome to the realm of knowledge in the Baroque era: Stepping onto creaking floorboards into the quiet grandeur of our historical library hall, one is immediately enveloped by the collective knowledge of the Early Modern period. Like stage sets in a Baroque theater, the original bookshelves jut into the space, housing around 50,000 books from all fields of knowledge. Behind unassuming book spines lie remarkable treasures, such as the first German Bible printed in America.

At the end of the 17th century, the orphanage's library was established as one of the first public libraries in Germany. Primarily through donations, book exchanges, and their own publications, the library grew so rapidly that within a few years, it was comparable to significant German university libraries. In 1728, it received its own building, which is considered the oldest surviving secular library structure in Germany. Not only in recent times has the library been visited by guests and researchers from around the world: Albrecht von Haller, Johann Joachim Winckelmann, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe all admired its bibliophilic treasures. We present a selection of them for you in rotating cabinet exhibitions in the former reading room of the library.

10 am - 5 pm

Playing, laughing, being loud, romping, doing nothing – and that in an exhibition house! From September 4, 2024, BAUBAU invites exactly that. In the play space for children designed by artist Kerstin Brätsch, more is allowed than forbidden. Colorful wallpapers, structures, objects, and a range of “Loose Parts” form spaces on the ground floor of the Gropius Bau that do not impose fixed guidelines but are determined by the activities of the children. They dictate the direction and form of what happens here. Thus, this place becomes a space of possibilities that can change day by day.

BAUBAU will launch in September 2024 in a prototype version and will continue to develop and grow over the coming years both inside and outside the Gropius Bau – in close exchange with the children and their wishes, as this is their place.

The Play
All children have the urge to play. This is how they learn to understand themselves and the world. Especially open, self-determined play is of great significance for emotional and social development. The educational concept for BAUBAU is therefore based on the principles of free play: Here, there is time, space, and permission for children to follow their own needs and interests. They are accompanied by playworkers – trained staff who create a safe and supportive environment where children can play freely.

 
The Art
BAUBAU playfully questions what a museum or an art institution should be. The comprehensive spatial design developed by Kerstin Brätsch is full of references and inspirations: elements from her previous works, such as marbling, paintings, or stucco marble work, reappear here in altered forms and materialities. The wallpapers, curtains, fabrics, seating furniture, and climbing structures are inhabited by dinosaurs, fantastical beings, termite mounds, and abstract elements. With their strange, funny, and perhaps a bit eerie shapes, they create an open framework for free play.

Kerstin Brätsch's practice is designed to allow and incorporate influences from outside. While she has previously collaborated with artists or artisans, she now does so in a completely different way with children: She invites the children to reshape and further develop the space according to their own ideas and visions, without the influence of the artist in unpredictable ways.

Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 12:00–18:00
Sat, Sun 11:00–18:00
Tue closed

Playing, laughing, being loud, romping, doing nothing – and that in an exhibition house! From September 4, 2024, BAUBAU invites exactly that. In the play space for children designed by artist Kerstin Brätsch, more is allowed than forbidden. Colorful wallpapers, structures, objects, and a range of “Loose Parts” form spaces on the ground floor of the Gropius Bau that do not impose fixed guidelines but are determined by the activities of the children. They dictate the direction and form of what happens here. Thus, this place becomes a space of possibilities that can change day by day.

BAUBAU will launch in September 2024 in a prototype version and will continue to develop and grow over the coming years both inside and outside the Gropius Bau – in close exchange with the children and their wishes, as this is their place.

The Play
All children have the urge to play. This is how they learn to understand themselves and the world. Especially open, self-determined play is of great significance for emotional and social development. The educational concept for BAUBAU is therefore based on the principles of free play: Here, there is time, space, and permission for children to follow their own needs and interests. They are accompanied by playworkers – trained staff who create a safe and supportive environment where children can play freely.

 
The Art
BAUBAU playfully questions what a museum or an art institution should be. The comprehensive spatial design developed by Kerstin Brätsch is full of references and inspirations: elements from her previous works, such as marbling, paintings, or stucco marble work, reappear here in altered forms and materialities. The wallpapers, curtains, fabrics, seating furniture, and climbing structures are inhabited by dinosaurs, fantastical beings, termite mounds, and abstract elements. With their strange, funny, and perhaps a bit eerie shapes, they create an open framework for free play.

Kerstin Brätsch's practice is designed to allow and incorporate influences from outside. While she has previously collaborated with artists or artisans, she now does so in a completely different way with children: She invites the children to reshape and further develop the space according to their own ideas and visions, without the influence of the artist in unpredictable ways.

Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 12:00–18:00
Sat, Sun 11:00–18:00
Tue closed

The permanent exhibition on the life and work of Erich Maria Remarque offers a detailed look into the life, work, and thoughts of the famous writer through numerous photographs, documents, and manuscripts. The exhibition is bilingual, presented in German and English throughout.

Divided into seven sections covering his youth in Osnabrück (1898–1921), the years in Hanover and Berlin (1922–1928), the discussion around All Quiet on the Western Front (1928–1930), his exile in Europe (1931–1939) and the USA (1939–1948), his political works in the 1950s, and the 1960s leading up to his death on September 25, 1970 in Locarno, the exhibition attempts to highlight the ruptures, contradictions, and controversies in Remarque's life while emphasizing their productivity for his work. It illustrates Remarque's numerous psychological conflicts, aiming to resolve the apparent contradiction between the "bon vivant" and the "militant pacifist," and provides insight into his acquaintances, friendships, and marriages. Numerous originals such as the death mask or Remarque's original desk complement the presentation.

Another focus of the exhibition is the worldwide, often highly controversial reception of Remarque's works, which have been translated into at least 60 languages and continue to attract a global audience of millions.

An information terminal allows visitors to delve deeper into specific questions about Remarque's life and work. Another terminal provides access to over 2,000 photographs spanning all stages of Remarque's life, his residences, contacts, and the film adaptations of his works.

The exhibition is open for free visits on Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. Guided tours for school classes and other interest groups can also be arranged outside regular opening hours. Tours can be scheduled with Mr. Martin Siemsen (siemsen.m@osnabrueck.de) by phone at 0541/323-2109 or fax at 0541/323-4355.

A shop on-site offers materials related to Remarque's life and work for sale.

The castle with a lot to offer: "HerrschaftsZeiten! Erlebnis Cadolzburg" from June 24, 2017 at the Cadolzburg - the new highlight of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region

A powerful castle - the setting of the illustrious history of a ruling family that has achieved great success: this was and is the Cadolzburg. The rulers were the Hohenzollern family, who ruled over Franken and later Brandenburg, also gaining electoral dignity in the 15th century. Later on, they even became Prussian kings and German emperors.

The Cadolzburg derives its radiance not only from its role as the starting point of a significant career in the Holy Roman Empire - the impressive structure itself reflects this golden era of the Hohenzollerns. The new museum "HerrschaftsZeiten! Erlebnis Cadolzburg" of the Bavarian Administration of State Castles will make this time - the late Middle Ages - exciting and informative for visitors through innovative communication concepts. While walking through the castle, visitors can learn not only about the architectural history, wars and peace, daily life, and governing tasks of the princely castle residents. There is much to discover here through interactive and sensory means:

Visitors can experience the castle through their sense of smell, there are tactile stations, sounds and dialogues, vivid models, and invitations to try things out. Exciting or challenging games, medieval Hohenzollerns in their own words, and the jester Contz who guides visitors through the castle bring the Middle Ages to life. Visitors can also expect to see several original medieval artifacts such as swords, maces, or a magnificent treasure chest. Other objects were specially crafted for the museum based on extensive research in historical techniques, such as the gilded armor of the famous General Albrecht Achilles, or textiles dyed according to original recipes. The Bavarian Administration of State Castles also made significant contributions to experimental historical research, like creating a breastplate from boiled leather, in line with the ambition of creating one of Germany's most important castle museums.

The cultural communication of the Bavarian Administration of State Castles also offers a diverse program of accompanying events, making this exciting history even more intriguing - for the young nobleman as well as the castle enthusiast.

Not only the Middle Ages but also the Cadolzburg itself now comes back to life. After the extensive damage of World War II, original medieval rooms and successful architectural creations of the 21st century can now be experienced. The modern buildings completed in 2017 bridge the medieval era with our present time.

You can expect very special experiences here - it truly is THE CASTLE WITH A LOT TO OFFER.

 

 

The Romantic era was a particularly brilliant period for portrait miniatures, reaching its peak and at the same time signaling the end of this special painting technique. Countless artists created portraits with great empathy and astonishing technical perfection. More people than ever collected small portraits of their loved ones to carry with them or to gather at home as a pictorial family album. 142 masterpieces from the renowned Tansey collection illuminate the heyday of an art that had to make way for photography during the 19th century.

Accompanying the exhibition is a catalog that, in addition to the annotated reproduction of all works, is distinguished by essays by various experts on aspects of miniature painting during this time. Hirmer Verlag, bilingual German/English, 432 pages, 208 color illustrations.

Tue - Sun 11am-5pm

BEST OF POETRY SLAM ERKRATH

When the audience laughs to the point of tears, is visibly moved, feels caught off guard, starts to ponder deeply, and all of this happens in one evening, then connoisseurs know: it is finally Poetry Slam time. The spectacular successful format will guest in December on one of the most beautiful theater stages in the Mettmann district! The best and most popular word artists will duel in the ultimate competition for the favor of the audience.

A line-up of absolute top class with state champions, award-winning poets, and scene stars will transform this evening into something truly special, of which people will speak for a long time to come.

And even at the grand Best of Poetry Slam in the Stadthalle Erkrath, the rules for the professionals remain the same:

All texts are self-written, the performance time is a maximum of 7 minutes, and no props or costumes are allowed. Otherwise, anything goes. And the most important thing: YOU, the audience, decide who gets to perform again and who takes home glory and victory in the end.

On stage:
Philipp Scharrenberg | Winner of the German Cabaret Prize
Dilara Yüksek | NRW Champion
Tobias Beitzel | Young Poets Award
Heidi Daniels | NRW Vice Champion and local hero from Ratingen

The moderation will be conducted by Jan Schmidt, a professional slam artist born in Wülfrath.

Poetry Slam is a literary competition that enjoys great popularity. Performers must follow three simple rules during their performances: all texts are self-written, the performance time is a maximum of 7 minutes, and no props or costumes are allowed. Otherwise, anything goes. Whether it’s comedy, poetry, cabaret, poetry, social critique, or slapstick... everyone will get their money's worth in this format.

Be quick: Today, on 28.11.2025, the Spessart Therme is offering 500 day tickets for the thermal salt bath at the Black Friday promotional price of a 2.5-hour ticket! The Black Friday day ticket Bad (adults) for only €12.35 also includes the weekend surcharge, which corresponds to a saving of at least 25%, and on weekends even over €6.00.

The Black Friday promotional ticket 2025 is valid for one year (until 27.11.2026). Exchanges and cash payments, as well as the combination with other discounts, are excluded. The use of the 4-star sauna can be added on site at the entrance for an additional fee of €7.50.

Tickets are available from 28.11.25 at 11 AM.

»Sometimes I think that heaven is made up of uninterrupted, never tiring reading.«
(Virginia Woolf)

Due to high demand, we will offer the popular 5+1 subscription again starting on August 1, 2024.
Pay the price for 5 events and attend 6 (80 Euro instead of 96 Euro for 6 events).*

With the promotional code included in the 5+1 subscription, you can then book 6 events of your choice (except for sold-out events, of course). / The code can be redeemed for a maximum of 6 selected events (also in multiple stages). / PLEASE NOTE that you can only use the code once per event, as the subscription is valid for one person only. / A service fee of 2 Euro applies for each online booking with the promotional code via Reservix.

*this currently applies only to events with an admission price of 16 Euro (standard price) and 10 Euro (discounts are available upon proof for students, refugees, people with disabilities & Munich Pass holders).

The voucher is valid for all VPR events until December 30, 2026.

You will receive a voucher, valid for events in the Underground Worlds; - ORGANIZER: Rösler Event and Party Service.

The vouchers can be redeemed at the box office for non-sold-out events.

Please contact the organizer in advance to arrange a reservation if necessary. (Email: info@vp-roesler; Tel: 0351-4054550)

For REMAINING BALANCE on a voucher, drinks and food can also be purchased at the bar on the day of the event.

»Sometimes I think the sky is made up of uninterrupted, never-tiring reading.«
(Virginia Woolf)

Due to high demand, we will again offer the popular 5+1 subscription starting August 1, 2024.

This also applies to discounted tickets (discounts are available upon proof for students, refugees, people with disabilities, and Munich Pass holders). Pay the price for 5 events and attend 6 (Euro 50.- instead of Euro 60.- for 6 events).*

With the promotional code included in the 5+1 subscription, you can then book 6 events of your choice (of course, already sold-out events are excluded). / The code can be redeemed for a maximum of 6 selected events (also in several stages if desired). / PLEASE NOTE that you can only use the code once per event, as the subscription is valid for one person only. / A service fee of 2.- EURO will be charged for each online booking with the promotional code via Reservix.

*This currently only applies to events with an admission price of EURO 16.- (regular price) as well as reduced EURO 10.-.

Sauna World, Steam Bath, and Aroma Grotto in Sellin

In The Butterland

"Butterland" is what sailors call a mirage that tricks them into thinking of home. When the sauna heat rises or damp vapors waft – that's when it might happen to you at AHOI! Rügen as well. It gets hazy, as sailors say, when the weather shifts and we no longer know which way is up. But in the sauna landscape, that's precisely the right mood to dive into fantasy worlds. So go ahead and set sail, sailor, take your sweetheart in your arms and shed off the ballast. Go on a pirate raid in the steam bath and drop anchor in the aroma grotto. Enough with the eternal nitpicking – just sit there like the mate on the lookout, staring into the distance, that's what it's all about now! Even true buccaneers enjoy lounging in the solarium. They drift in the cozy wind of relaxation, like in a hammock on deck. Our sauna infusions really heat things up, and they come, whenever they want or the crew wishes it.

Sauna World, Steam Bath, and Fragrance Grotto in Sellin

In Butterland

"Sailors call a Fata Morgana that feigns home a 'Butterland'. When the sauna heat rises or damp vapors drift - then that can happen to you at AHOI! Rügen. It gets 'hazy', as sailors say, when the weather changes and we no longer know which way is up. But in the sauna landscape, that's exactly the right mood to dive into fantasy worlds. So turn the wheel properly, sailor, take your bride in your arms and cast off excess baggage. Go on a privateering adventure in the steam bath and drop anchor in the fragrance grotto. Enough with the endless reasoning - just sit there, like the mate on the lookout, and gaze into the distance, that's what it's all about now! Even true Buccaneers like to laze around in the solarium. They drift in the pleasant wind of relaxation, like in a hammock on deck. Our sauna infusions really heat things up, and they come when they want or the crew desires.

Valid for 4 hours, including bath

Sauna world, steam bath, and aroma grotto in Sellin

In Butterland

"Butterland" is what sailors call a mirage that tricks them into believing they see their homeland. When the sauna heat rises or damp vapors swirl – then this can happen to you in AHOI! Rügen as well. It gets chaotic, as the sailors say, when the weather turns and we no longer know which way is up. But in the sauna landscape, that's just the right mood to dive into fantasy worlds. So go ahead, sailor, take your bride in your arms and jettison some ballast. Go on a raiding expedition in the steam bath and drop anchor in the aroma grotto. Now it's time to stop with the endless pondering – just sit there like the mate in the crow's nest, gazing into the distance, that's what it's all about now! Even real buccaneers like to relax in the solarium. They drift in the pleasant breeze of relaxation, like in a hammock on deck. Our sauna infusions really turn up the heat, and they come whenever they want or the crew wishes.

To the sea, hooray!

Those who go on a treasure hunt on the 600 sqm water area of the AHOI! Rügen swimming landscape will find what they need. Kids and family are well cared for here. With a quick step, one can go through the current channel, while the underwater whirl lounges achieve the impossible – they provide relaxation and fresh energy at the same time. Those who skillfully use the massage jets can release their tension without a physiotherapist, while the floor jets are all about fun. A swimming channel leads to the 135 sqm tempered outdoor pool. Hours pass by in no time here!
And while the children cheer in the water, adults relax in the sauna landscape. Additionally, visitors of AHOI! Rügen can look forward to a more than 100-meter-long black hole water slide with exciting light and sound effects. Deep relaxation is provided by the 35-degree warm pool and a tempered whirlpool activates the senses. There are also bubbling lounges, water geysers, and a large sunbathing area. For smaller children, three pools with a children's slide and boat canal are available. Anyone who wants can join in the exciting fun program led by the animators.

At sea, hooray!

Those who go in search of treasure on the 600 sqm water surface of the bathing area at AHOI! Rügen will find what they need. Kids and adults alike are well taken care of here. The fun never stops as you stride through the lazy river, the underwater whirlpool loungers work wonders - providing relaxation and fresh energy at the same time. Skillfully using the massage jets can help relieve tension without the need for a physical therapist, while the floor geysers are just pure fun. A swim channel leads to the 135 sqm large heated outdoor pool. Time flies by in no time here!

And while the kids cheer in the water, adults can relax in the sauna area. Also waiting for visitors of AHOI! Rügen is a more than 100-meter-long Black-Hole water slide with exciting light and sound effects. Deep relaxation is provided by the 35-degree warm pool and a heated whirlpool activates the senses. Additionally, there are bubble loungers, water geysers, and a large sunbathing lawn. For the smaller kids, there are three pools with a kids' slide and a little ship canal. If you want, you can join in the exciting fun program with the entertainers.

Playing, laughing, being loud, romping, doing nothing – and that in an exhibition house! From September 4, 2024, BAUBAU invites exactly that. In the play space for children designed by artist Kerstin Brätsch, more is allowed than forbidden. Colorful wallpapers, structures, objects, and a range of “Loose Parts” form spaces on the ground floor of the Gropius Bau that do not impose fixed guidelines but are determined by the activities of the children. They dictate the direction and form of what happens here. Thus, this place becomes a space of possibilities that can change day by day.

BAUBAU will launch in September 2024 in a prototype version and will continue to develop and grow over the coming years both inside and outside the Gropius Bau – in close exchange with the children and their wishes, as this is their place.

The Play
All children have the urge to play. This is how they learn to understand themselves and the world. Especially open, self-determined play is of great significance for emotional and social development. The educational concept for BAUBAU is therefore based on the principles of free play: Here, there is time, space, and permission for children to follow their own needs and interests. They are accompanied by playworkers – trained staff who create a safe and supportive environment where children can play freely.

 
The Art
BAUBAU playfully questions what a museum or an art institution should be. The comprehensive spatial design developed by Kerstin Brätsch is full of references and inspirations: elements from her previous works, such as marbling, paintings, or stucco marble work, reappear here in altered forms and materialities. The wallpapers, curtains, fabrics, seating furniture, and climbing structures are inhabited by dinosaurs, fantastical beings, termite mounds, and abstract elements. With their strange, funny, and perhaps a bit eerie shapes, they create an open framework for free play.

Kerstin Brätsch's practice is designed to allow and incorporate influences from outside. While she has previously collaborated with artists or artisans, she now does so in a completely different way with children: She invites the children to reshape and further develop the space according to their own ideas and visions, without the influence of the artist in unpredictable ways.

Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 12:00–18:00
Sat, Sun 11:00–18:00
Tue closed