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

»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.-.

With the exhibition »The Story That Never Ends. The Collection of the ZKM«, the ZKM | Karlsruhe provides a comprehensive insight into its own collection, which, with around 12,000 works, is among the largest and most significant collections of media art in the world. The exhibition tells not only of the intertwined stories of art and technology but also of the challenges that fast-paced technological media bring to museums worldwide.

The history of media art from the 1950s to the present

Electrification and digitalization have changed the world. This transformation has not only affected our daily lives but has also impacted artistic creation. 

Since the beginning of the 20th century, artists have been using these rapidly evolving technologies and constantly expanding the expressive possibilities of art: The spectrum ranges from video, light, and sound works to motor-driven kinetic objects, as well as computer-based interactive installations or works created with the help of artificial intelligence. 

With about 100 works, »The Story That Never Ends« traces these developmental lines of the apparatus arts and their openness to the categories of space, time, and movement as well as interaction and participation – from the 1950s to the present. A selection of important key works that represent significant moments and milestones of media art illustrates the diversity and impact of these technological developments. Marie-Jo Lafontaine's monumental video sculpture »Les larmes d’acier« (1987), which ironizes the complex conceptual constellations of "man, machine, power, and sexuality," as well as Bill Viola's video-sound installation »Stations« (1994), which unites central aspects of his artistic work along with fundamental themes of human existence, or Jeffrey Shaw's »Virtual Sculpture« (1981), representing early experiments in augmented reality, form a small selection of examples here. 

At the same time, the exhibition also makes the socio-political context in which the works were created comprehensible, allowing for deductions and connections to the pressing questions of our time: Feminist works by earlier (media art) pioneers, such as pezoldo (aka Friederike Pezold), Lynn Hershman Leeson, Kirsten Geisler, or Rebecca Horn, are just as noteworthy as works reflecting the impacts of mass media like television (Nam June Paik, Wolf Vostell), the connection between technology and the military, borders and surveillance, or violence in the digital space (Paul Garrin, Hanna Haaslahti, David Rokeby) or natural ecosystems (Justine Emard, Claudia González Godoy). Artists repeatedly question the possibilities and effects of new media, rethink and redesign them, thus bringing forth new social and cultural narratives that shape the discourse about our relationship with technology. 

We perceive art, as the exhibition title suggests, as a story that will never end as long as there are people. The fact that we do not know what form it will take in the future is something it shares with technology. Our knowledge of the past and present influences how we shape the future and value what is yet to come.

The restoration of media art

„The Story That Never Ends“ not only refers to artistic development but also to the challenges museums face when collecting media artworks: Technical devices are not made for eternity, data carriers deteriorate, software standards become obsolete very quickly, and media formats are no longer readable after a few years. This means that works must continuously be monitored and technically updated by conservators. What impact does this have on art and our cultural memory? What skills do we need to develop to not only have a future but also a past?

The ZKM has an internationally recognized expertise in the conservation and restoration of media art. However, since these conservation and restoration activities mostly happen behind the scenes, »The Story That Never Ends« takes a radical step: The decision about which key works from the collection are shown in the exhibition has been entrusted to the conservators of the ZKM. In doing so, they bring hidden treasures to light that have, due to elaborate preservation measures, often not been publicly visible for decades. Since the works themselves do not necessarily reveal the complexity of their technology and the challenges of their preservation, the exhibition also provides an introduction to the history of technology and conservation strategies for this type of works.

The view from the past into the future

»The Story That Never Ends« thus not only tells the fascinating story of media art through the unique collection of the ZKM. It also highlights the fragility of our electrified and digitalized civilization. The exhibition allows for an in-depth insight into the art and technology history of the 20th and 21st centuries and shows how history sharpens the view of the present and stimulates the imagination of possible futures.

Wed to Fri: 10 am to 6 pm
Sat, Sun: 11 am to 6 pm

A journey to Ireland - at least musically. That is exactly what the concerts of The Dublin Legends are. Real folk fans may know the musicians better by the legendary name The Dubliners. They performed for the very first time on German soil half a century ago. However, the band disbanded when frontman John Sheahan unfortunately retired in 2012. 
The legend lives on!

The Dublin Legends, the descendants of the legendary Irish folk group, will return to Germany in 2025. Among their ranks: the singer and guitarist Sean Cannon, who has been a member and the heart of the group since 1982.
When The Dublin Legends take the stage, you feel like you are in an Irish pub within minutes. You feel the beating heart of Ireland, stories about sailors are told, fiery romances and unrequited love are sung, all that’s missing is a cold Guinness in hand.

Sean Cannon, Gerry O’Connor, Shay Kavanagh, and Paul Watchorn - these are the four incredibly talented artists behind the name. No one brings their enthusiasm quite like them, no other band can let you feel the Irish way of life more than they do. The Dublin Legends play Irish folk just as it should be - from the heart.
Big stage productions or special effects are not necessary, and the group continually proves this as they encourage the audience to celebrate with their captivating songs and melancholic ballads.

With the classics “Whiskey In The Jar,” “Seven Drunken Nights,” and “The Irish Rover,” you just have to sing along! Be there to experience the green Ireland for an evening and let the honest, infectious manner of The Dublin Legends work its magic on you!

Without the x, Propaganda was known from 1982 to 1990. It all started back then with Susanne Freytag and former band member of Die Krupps, Ralf Dörper. Claudia Brücken joined in 1983. In the same year, the band was signed by the English label ZTT Records and released the single “Dr. Mabuse”. Criticism and negative headlines fell upon them. The producer Trevor Horn had to change something and transformed the duo from a so-called “noise-making troupe” into a dark synth-pop band. In a new style, the album “A Secret Wish” was released, which brought the group much attention and recognition.

Propaganda quickly achieved international success and attracted fans all over Europe and America. The outstanding, sensual electronic sound and the mysterious image of the group belong as much to the new music and technology landscape of the 2020s as they do to the 1980s.

After years of collaboration and further musical successes, however, the singers went their separate ways.
In 2018, finally, the long-awaited reunion. As xPropaganda rose again, they played two sold-out headliner shows at The Garage in London.
After the duo had once more gotten a taste of the stage, they met with Stephen Lipson, the producer of “A Secret Wish”, to write new music.

Almost four decades after recording the legendary LP, the women from Düsseldorf, together with Stephen Lipson, released the stunning new album “The Heart Is Strange” on May 20, 2022.

It recalls the style and passion of the old group Propaganda. With its quirky beats and icy sound, combined with the wonderful and expressive voices of Claudia and Susanne, the album is another masterpiece in the music industry.

Now, xPropaganda is touring through Germany and bringing the 80s to your city! It promises to be an exciting evening, so get your tickets now!

A benefit concert at RKW and for RKW!

SO WHAT? from Meerbusch presents women-friendly music in male clothing. The winners of "Rock against Hunger" 2014 impress by putting well-known pop songs into a harder, rockier style.

A lot of time and energy is invested in changing pieces like "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk, "Castle of Glass" by Linkin Park, or "Hello" by Adele. 

At many festivals, celebrations, and other events, such as the big "70 Years NRW" celebration or the "Interpack Exhibitor Party," "SO WHAT?" have captivated the audience with their program.

https://www.facebook.com/p/So-What--100063740605245

RAMPAGE is a hard rock formation founded in 1986 from the left Lower Rhine. After their first performances, RAMPAGE quickly became a term, especially in biker circles. A guest appearance on RTL also made the band known nationwide. The clear commitment to straight guitar riffs does not prevent the band members from creating music that is commercial enough to reach a wide audience. After 5 albums that are distributed worldwide, the 6th album is now in the works, and we can be excited.

In addition to studio work, Rampage always seeks contact with fans and performs at various events in NRW. Melodic hard rock from the 80s to the present!

https://www.rampage-music.com

TAILGUNNER was founded in December 2008 as a cover band and has since 2010 performed a variety of successful gigs (pub gigs, corporate parties, festivals, open air, private celebrations, city festivals, biker clubs) in the Rhineland and Ruhr area. Even though the rehearsal room is in Viersen, the band members come from Geldern, Wassenberg, Grevenbroich, Mönchengladbach, and Viersen.

They cover predominantly rock and pop songs, with the repertoire ranging from the 70s to the present, and from ballads to hard rock, in both English and German. They play what is fun for the band members and the audience. The focus is not necessarily on playing the original versions faithfully, but rather on adapting the song to the band's own style. Especially pop songs are often rearranged and given a new interpretation with a lot of power, without losing their recognizability.

https://tailgunner.de

A trio-pack gift that Santa Claus has brought for the rock fans... and all for a good cause!

Saturday, 06.12.2025

Doors open: 19:00

Start: 20:00

Rock Culture Workshop

Gerberstr. 25

41748 Viersen

https://rkw-viersen.de

https://www.facebook.com/rkw.viersen

https://www.instagram.com/rkwviersen

41 years of Sirenen – 18 women and a piano – powerful voices, witty wordplay, desire meets tones, ranging from jazz, pop, rock to classical. 

The Sirenen were founded in 1983 and belong to the cornerstone of the Cologne cabaret scene. Their trademark for a long time was musical cabaret: They brought seven of their own revues to the stage with up to eight-part singing, dance, and acting. Everything revolved around the great themes of love, desire, and frustration. For this, the Sirenen occasionally took on the role of ancient figures from old myths and legends, and at other times found their stories in the here and now, for example, in the hallway of the employment agency, as in the revue "Unvermittelbar". The Sirenen regularly performed at the Comedia but also in the Gürzenich, in the Old Waiting Room, and at the Cologne Opera.

Meanwhile, the time of the large revues is over. The ensemble has restructured itself with new singers and new ideas after the Corona period. The program now features shorter performances, where the singing and beautiful sound of the 18 voices unfold in very different songs. The repertoire ranges from jazz, soul, pop, and rock to classical. However, the Sirenen would not be the Sirenen if they would "only" sing. The creative vein continues to pulse, which is why the performances are planned as theme evenings, where appropriate songs are woven together with literary snippets, pantomimic, cinematic, or other elements to create a rich experience.

The heart of the Sirenen is the artistic director Lisa Glatz. The soprano has led the ensemble for 30 years, keeps it together, and is largely responsible for its success. In addition to the rehearsal work, she arranges the musical four to eight-part arrangements, organizes, and structures the diverse activities up to the performance. The native of Cologne with Hungarian roots is a freelance singer, choir director, and vocal educator. In her singing studio, the "SingBüdchen" www.singbuedchen.de, she offers singing lessons, workshops for choir singers, and project choirs.

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.