2024-09-29_The Eternal Snob

2024-11-30_Mindfully Murdering

2025-02-15_Things I Know for Sure

2025-03-22_Rent a Friend

2025-04-26_Waiting for the Bus

Eight Classical Concerts

Tickets may still be available at local box offices or at the door.

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

The Art and Natural History Chamber is considered the oldest German museum room. It was established by August Hermann Francke for educational purposes and is now once again set up according to the original museum concept of the 18th century in its historical location in the attic of the Historical Orphanage.

Eighteen richly decorated collection cabinets house approximately 3000 natural specimens, curiosities, and artifacts. They provide a unique impression of a Baroque cabinet of curiosities. Unlike modern museums, the chamber follows an encyclopedic collecting approach. A distinction is made between natural specimens and artifacts. The natural specimens are divided into rocks, plants, and animals, while the artifacts are categorized into visual arts, calligraphy, coins, everyday culture, and clothing. The goal was to create a mirror image of the world: a microcosm that made the macrocosm as the wonderful creation of God tangible.

In a series of events, art projects take place around the Art and Natural History Chamber. In the so-called "Contemporary Reflections on the Art and Natural History Chamber," foundations invite artists to engage in an artistic dialogue with the chamber.

Detailed information

Tue-Sun 10am-5pm

Palace-like, the orphanage rises on Franckeplatz. Then as now, it is the centerpiece of the Francke Foundations. Erected in 1698 as the first building of the school city, it represents a new facet of European Baroque, combining confident representation without extravagant ornamentation and setting the tone for orphanage architecture.

Today, the orphanage is our museum and cultural center. Right from the start, two permanent exhibitions guide you through the history of the foundation and the global impact of Pietism. On the first floor, the former prayer and singing hall surprises with its bright architecture. Today, it enjoys an excellent reputation as a concert hall due to its fantastic acoustics. In the adjacent conference rooms, a photo exhibition showcases the impressive renovation work since the foundations were reestablished in 1991. The second floor is reserved for our changing special exhibitions, which provide insight into important themes of the foundation's history from both a historical and contemporary perspective. Passing through the art and natural history collections in the attic, you reach the balcony via a narrow wooden staircase. Here, a wide view opens up over the impressive ensemble with school buildings from three centuries. There is also a splendid panorama of the Old Town of Halle from here. In the basement, children can explore their own paths in the Krokoseum.

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What power does the word have? For Halleschen Pietismus, the word was of central importance. On the ground floor of the Historical Orphanage, we show you how August Hermann Francke's reform movement could spread around the world.

Francke developed central reformative goals of Martin Luther's with Halleschen Pietismus. His approach was as clear as it was revolutionary: Every person should find God through their own Bible reading. However, for this to happen, everyone - boys and girls alike - had to learn to read, everyone should be able to afford their own Bible and it should be printed in their own native language. Therefore, Francke established schools for all social classes, printed millions of German-language People's Bibles, and created an international network through which the Bible was translated into many other languages. His educational initiative allowed a broad population to engage with the word. In the 18th-century evangelical parsonages, the authors of the Romantic and Enlightenment periods were highly regarded. A culture of self-reflection spread in Pietism, which was reflected in diaries and personal testimonies, giving us remarkable insights into the spiritual life of people of that time. Symbolically, the power of the word is also evident in the meticulously restored pulpit from the Church of St. Ulrich in Halle, where Francke preached from 1715 and which you can admire in the exhibition.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

4 talers and 16 groschen are considered the founding capital of the Francke Foundations. How an unparalleled school city grew from this unexpected donation to a simple pastor in Glaucha can be discovered on the ground floor of the Historical Orphanage. A multimedia installation and numerous extraordinary objects will transport you into the fascinating founding and impact history of Francke's work. Because what began with a school for the poor and an orphanage, developed in a few decades into a true reform project that was based on education: Over 2,000 students learned in various schools, specially constructed economic buildings, a hospital, and a pharmacy guaranteed the care of over 3,000 people on the premises, unique cultural-historical collections in the library and chamber of wonders were established, and Francke's ideas were spread within and outside Europe. August Hermann Francke wanted nothing less than a "world change through personal change." Discover everything he set in motion through this.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

80s musical with live band - Cold War and hot rhythms
The 1980s are back! Also for Katrin, known as Kara, who used to sing the big hits with her boyfriend Jan in the cover band "Karajan" back then - from "Major Tom" to "Take on me" to "Special Train to Pankow". Her heyday as a singer is long gone. But now Patrick, the boyfriend of Katrin's daughter Julia, wants to reopen the legendary music club PLOY. It would be a sensation if Katrin and Jan would perform again together after all these years with a newly formed live band. But Katrin is hesitant. Apparently, there are some shadows from the past catching up with her. Her relationship with her former lover Jan and her daughter is put to the test, while Patrick is making every effort to make the club opening with a live concert a success.

"Full throttle into the 80s" is a "completely detached" musical journey back in time, which, from today's perspective, looks with a twinkle in the eye and depth at the crazy decade between the Cold War, Rubik's Cubes, and mullet hairstyles. DAS SANDKORN is collaborating with the music high school of the Helmholtz-Gymnasium and students of the Musikhochschule Karlsruhe to bring the live band "Karajan reloaded" to the stage.

On stage:
Acting and singing: Vivien Andrée, Ralph Hönicke, Florian Kondur, Rebecca Raffell

Band: Ludger Donath (bass), Peter Fenchel (bass), Leander Mangelsdorf (guitar), Julian Kreiner (keys), Carola Krettenauer (keys, sax), Johann Walker (drums)

Idea and scenario: Günter Knappe and Erik Rastetter
Adaptation: Karsten Engelhardt
Direction: Karsten Engelhardt
Musical direction: Paul Taube

In cooperation with the Hochschule für Musik and the Helmholtz-Musikgymnasium.

We all access the internet daily through web browsers. The question of how browsers determine what we experience online has fascinated artists early on. Based on a research project by the KIT Institute for Art and Architectural History on browser art, the exhibition »Choose Your Filter!« provides insights into 30 years of browser development. Here, you can discover and try out browser visions through interactive installations. 

Wed to Fri from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Sat and Sun 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Max Bischoff, a gifted case analyst, is investigating his 5th case - The new thriller by Nr. 1 bestselling author Arno Strobel. Case analyst Max Bischoff and handwriting expert Marvin Wagner are on the verge of opening their joint detective agency WaBi Investigations when the nine-year-old son of a judge is kidnapped in Düsseldorf. Of all people, a prisoner wants Max and Marvin to investigate the matter. Rainer Klinke is in pretrial detention for the abduction of a minor and fears that he might share some blame in the current case. Because the perpetrator who has the boy in his power has contacted Klinke, wanting to show him how to do it 'right', so that those who deserve it are punished. When the kidnapped boy is found dead and another child goes missing, Max and Marvin realize they have very little time left to prevent another murder. And to stop a madman who will stop at nothing to make his own idea of justice a reality.

Admission: 6:30 PM

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Welcome to 'Friburgum in Summa - Culture, History, and Sights' - your exclusive invitation to a compact, historical journey through the enchanting city of Freiburg. This tour provides the perfect overview of the historic old town and city history for visitors, tourists, newcomers, and enthusiasts!

Our tour will take you to the most fascinating sights, offer deep insights into the culture and history of the city, and allow you to experience the vibrant atmosphere up close.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Freiburg at the historic Town Hall Square, where you will admire the splendor of the Old Town Hall and feel the lively history of this central place. Together, we will visit the Colombischlössle, an architectural gem and the location of the Archaeological Museum.

We will stroll through the nightlife district Bermuda Triangle, where the vibrant atmosphere and culinary delights will captivate your senses. Enjoy the unique blend of tradition and modern lifestyle in this bustling neighborhood.

The Martinstor awaits us as an impressive city gate before we reach the majestic Freiburg Cathedral. Admire the gothic splendor of this architectural masterpiece and learn why it is the city's landmark.

On the way to the picturesque Schlossberg, without ascent, you will experience the city's green oasis and learn interesting facts about its role in Freiburg's history. We will return through the charming Konviktstraße, leaving you with amusing anecdotes and deep insights into the Freiburg way of life.

Book 'Friburgum in Summa' today and let our enthusiasm for Freiburg's rich history and vibrant culture inspire you. Experience the city in all its diversity - compact, informative, and unforgettable!

Admission: 10 minutes prior

Many cabaret artists and joke writers are now in government responsibility, and that worldwide. For some, a catastrophe; for the Wundertyten, an incentive to become even better. The world must become funnier. We need to laugh more, no matter what about and who. There is no terrible or evil in the world at all. You just have to not look. Laughter yoga was yesterday. Today, the shallow and soft make life easier. With the new program, the audience enters a relaxed feeling-good state without any effort.
With Thomas Krug on piano, Uwe Jakubczyk and Jens Haupt

The hottest music from three thrilling decades is bursting the nightclubs of the Republic. This is not for cowards or boring people. Rather, it is a rapid rollercoaster of wild rock'n roll, Southern soul, petticoat rustle, surf or beat sounds, flower power romance, hard rock, disco, punk, funk, glamour and Woodstock chaos.
Welcome to the ultimate carnival party at REX. under the motto:
The Red Horse meets the best of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and the very best of today!!!!

Doors open at 7:00 PM

The most spectacular musical gala of all time with over 3 million visitors and stars from the musical scene – For the first time, songs from "Moulin Rouge"

In a show lasting over two hours, highlights from the most famous musicals are impressively and vibrantly presented. Stars from the original productions showcase selected solo, duet, and ensemble numbers on a journey through the world of international musicals. World-famous hits from the current Broadway musical "Moulin Rouge" will delight the audience just as much as the sensation musicals "The Greatest Showman" and "Frozen" from "The Ice Queen." This unique musical experience will also go on a major tour through Germany and Austria in 2024, captivating the audience.

"The Night of Musicals" promises a stage fireworks show of lively dance acrobatics and world-renowned musical melodies. International hit musicals, current hits, and well-known classics will be presented impressively by solo stars from the musical scene.

Alongside global successes like "The Lion King," "Dance of the Vampires," "Mamma Mia," "We Will Rock You," timeless favorites such as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Cats," "The Rocky Horror Show," "Elisabeth," "Grease," and "West Side Story" will of course be included!

For the first time, songs from the award-winning musical "Moulin Rouge" meet the mysterious rhythms of Africa from "The Lion King." "The Phantom of the Opera" confesses his love to Christine, and the cats from "Cats" once again prove their cult character with "Memory." More recent hits from the Netflix series "Money Heist" will also be staged in an exciting way.

Varied, diverse, unique!

As varied as the different musicals, so diverse is "The Night of Musicals." A sophisticated light and sound concept, elaborate costumes, and lovingly designed stage sets make this event the most popular musical gala and allow the audience to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of New York's Broadway and London's West End!

Already over 3 million visitors have left "The Night of Musicals" with a smile on their lips and kept it in unforgettable memory!

Entry: 7:00 PM

Secure your personal SEASON TICKET 2024/25 and experience all home games of the SKYLINERS live and up close in the Süwag Energie ARENA.

All advantages at a glance:

- Entrance to all home games in the main round 2024/25
- Significant price savings compared to single tickets
- Sell your seat through the new secondary market
- Entrance to all possible playoff home games*
- No surcharges for top games
- Transferability to other persons
- Exclusive events only for season ticket holders
- Exclusive raffles in the SKYLINERS Advent calendar
- Free entrance to the games of the SKYLINERS Juniors
- The season ticket includes all 16 home games of the SKYLINERS in easyCredit BBL in the 2024/25 season.

* Subsequent calculation of additionally played games.

All season tickets in credit card format will be delivered by mail at the beginning of September.

The Vitra Campus is a magnet for design and architecture enthusiasts. Rarely anywhere else in the world can you find as many icons of contemporary architecture as on the Vitra Campus. Experience the campus on a tour that includes buildings by Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Herzog & de Meuron, and SANAA, and learn more about the backgrounds of architects and buildings.

The architecture tour lasts two hours and takes place mostly outdoors while standing. Please be mindful of the weather and dress accordingly. We recommend bringing a water bottle, sunscreen, or rain protection depending on the situation.

Please note that the buildings and spaces presented in the tours are in use. Therefore, occasional restrictions during the visits may occur.

The Vitra Campus is a magnet for design and architecture enthusiasts. Few other places in the world can boast such a large number of contemporary architectural icons. Explore the Campus on a guided tour which features buildings by Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, Herzog & de Meuron and SANAA, and learn more about the architects and their works.

The architecture tour lasts two hours and takes place mostly in the open air, while standing. Please take note of the weather and dress accordingly. We recommend packing a water bottle, and sun or rain protection, depending on the situation.

Please also be aware that the buildings presented during the guided tours are in use. Occasional restrictions may occur during the tours.