In January 2010, the new Museum Folkwang building designed by British star architect David Chipperfield was inaugurated amid great media interest. In the new, bright rooms the works of art of the past three centuries are displayed to their best advantage, as is the collection of the German Poster Museum.

The gourmet restaurant "Vincent & Paul" in the new building offers guests exquisite international cuisine.

Museum Folkwang was founded in 1902 by Karl Ernst Osthaus in Hagen. With its outstanding collection inventories, it is one of the most prestigious museums in the country. After the death of Osthaus, the Museum Folkwang Association, an Essen citizens’ initiative by art enthusiasts, acquired the collection for the city of Essen.

Address:
Museum Folkwang
Museumsplatz 1
45128 Essen
Tel. +49 (0)201 88-45444
E-Mail
Website

Until its closure in 1986, the main shaft mine commissioned in 1932 and built by Fritz Schupp and Martin Kremmer in the New Objectivity style was the largest and fastest conveyor coal mine in Europe. Starting in 1990, the Zollverein Shaft XII was renovated and was given UNESCO World Heritage status along with the coking plant and the mine shaft 1/2/8.

All around the “Ruhr region’s Eiffel Tower” diverse cultural activities attract up to 800,000 visitors annually to the grounds: On any given day, you can immerse yourself in the history of the mine on a trip through the "Coal Path" and choose between numerous exhibitions, concerts and dance performances. The first stop for visitors is the visitor centre in the converted coal washing plant, which is accessible by a 58 meter long free-standing escalator.

"In addition to shafts XII and 1/2/8, the coking plant -which was not decommissioned until 1993 - is the third important component of the World Heritage Zollverein complex. And when the sun goes down, an impressive work of art awaits visitors. The entire plant is lit up spectacularly. In summer, visitors frolic in the industrial plant’s art project swimming pool. In winter, you can explore the industrial landmark on skates at one of the most bizarre skating rinks in Europe.

The Ruhr Museum, which opened in the coal washing plant in January 2010 as the first museum for the whole Ruhr area, provides insights into the history of the region.

Address:
Zollverein
Gelsenkirchener Straße 181
45309 Essen
Tel. +49 (0)201 246810
E-Mail
Website

The Essen cathedral treasury reveals the city’s illustrious history. The sacral exhibits shown here are priceless, and bear witness to the power and wealth of the princely abbesses who ruled the abbey and the city of Essen from the 9th to the 19th century. The Golden Madonna is the oldest fully sculptured figure of Mary in the West.

In the 9th century, Bishop Altfrid founded the free secular abbey for women of the high nobility, from which the city emerged. Through the close family ties with the Ottonian dynasty, the canonesses lacked neither wealth nor political influence. A symbol of their secular power is the childhood crown of Otto III, a gift from his godmother, the Essen abbess Mathilde. In contrast, the four processional crosses from the Ottonian period are symbols of piety. Only six examples of these masterpieces survive worldwide."

Address:
Domschatz Burgplatz 2
45127 Essen
Tel +49 (0)201 2204-206
E-Mail
Website

In early summer 2010, the Old Synagogue was opened as the only ""House of Jewish Culture"" in Germany. The five exhibition areas inside the building provide an insight into the lives and everyday activities of Jewish communities from around the world. This adds a new chapter to the eventful history of the house.

The Old Synagogue opened in 1913 and - like almost all other Jewish places of worship - was burned in the 1938 Kristallnacht fire and its interior was largely destroyed. The city acquired the former temple in 1959. During the reconstruction many mosaics were painted over, the Torah shrine was demolished and the dome, which sheltered 1,400 people once upon a time, was taken down.

Address:
Alte Synagoge - Haus jüdischer Kultur
Steeler Straße 29
45127 Essen
Tel. +49 (0)201 88-45218
E-Mail
Website

The castle-like residence testifies not only to the wealth of the industrial family Krupp, but also to the economic importance of Essen during the Industrial Revolution. Alfred Krupp had the villa, which was recorded as a single-family house with 220 rooms in the land register, built according to his own design from 1868 to 1872 in a 75-acre park.

The Villa Hügel is filled with valuable tapestries, precious Italian coffered ceilings and an impressive library. Chamber music concerts and high profile international art exhibitions are regularly held here today. The historic Krupp collection and the "Krupp Today" exhibition can be viewed in the guest house.

Address:
Villa Hügel
Hügel 15
45133 Essen
Tel. +49 (0)201 616290
E-Mail
Website

Whether watch or accessory, mobile phone or television set: Each of these objects is an example of human daily life and consumer culture. At the Red Dot Design Museum, everyday items become cult objects. The very different exhibits have one thing in common - their exemplary design - for which they were awarded the internationally coveted and recognized "Red Dot".

The museum showcases the world's largest exhibition of contemporary design. About 1,000 products from all over the world are displayed on more than 4,000 square meters. With its headquarters in the boiler house of the Zollverein World Heritage site, the museum has become a mecca for culture, architecture and design enthusiasts worldwide.

Address:
Design Museum
Gelsenkirchener Straße 181
45309 Essen
Tel. +49 (0)201 30104-25
E-Mail
Website

The Aalto Theater is best described as magnificent. The opera house always occupies the top spots in critics’ polls. At its opening in 1988 it was called “the most beautiful theater design” since 1945, and today it is also among the best in Germany.

The total work of art was designed according to plans by the Finnish master architect Alvar Aalto. The modern, curved architecture captures the imagination. The unfussy and elegant hall can accommodate an audience of 1,125. The globally renowned opera singers are framed in heavenly blue and light wood.

The Essen Philharmonic and the Aalto Ballet Theater Essen are equally talented. They also consistently receive top rankings.

Address:
Aalto-Theater
Opernplatz 10
45128 Essen
Tel. +49 (0)201 8122-200
E-Mail
Website

With the Essen Philharmonic, a new concert hall was created in the style of a traditional roofed hall. Thanks to the high-profile programme with orchestras and world-class artists, cutting-edge technology and fantastic acoustics, the Essen Philharmonic is one of the best concert halls in Europe.

The completely renovated Alfried Krupp Hall (1,906 seats) is the centerpiece of the building. The RWE pavilion (350 seats), whose glass cube design has a view overlooking the city garden, provides an excellent setting for jazz and classical music, world music and lectures, receptions or celebrations.

After renovation, the three colourful civil halls radiate their former glory: The finest satinwood, enamel inlays and ceramic treasures create an exquisite atmosphere for a pleasant concert evening.

Address:
Philharmonie
Huyssenallee 53
45128 Essen
Phone: +49 (0)201 8122-200 or +49 (0)201 8872333
E-Mail
Website

The GOP Varieté Theater Essen has been significantly enriching the impressive cultural landscape of the Ruhr region since 1996. This is a hub for the international elite of variety shows. A new modern, innovative show production is presented every two months.

The individual artistic performances, linked by a common theme, lead audiences into a new world again and again. Whether it’s peaceful and poetic or features a lot of energy and vitality, each show offers a different experience. A dreamlike atmosphere, fascinating shows, excellent food - this is the triad which makes the GOP Varieté Theater a special place. Located directly in the Essen city centre, guests can experience the best in entertainment in a modern ambiance.

Address:
GOP Variete Theater
Rottstraße 30
45127 Essen
Phone: +49 (0)201 24793-93
E-Mail
Website

The theater’s repertoire begins with classical dramatic texts and extends to the works of contemporary authors and experimental forms of theater. The focus of the programme is on modern classic productions from Shakespeare to Schiller and Ibsen along with contemporary works.

The Grillo Theater represents young, unpretentious drama. The neoclassical building is named after the industrialist Friedrich Grillo who financed the construction in 1887. The Casa studio stage chooses to host performances that address and respond to the way of life of young people.

Address:
Grillo Theater
Theaterplatz 11
45127 Essen
Phone: +49 (0)201 8122-200
E-Mail
Website

The red carpet has already been replaced several times since the days when Gary Cooper, Buster Keaton or Romy Schneider tread upon it. Nevertheless, the grand old lady of cinemas has lost none of its charm since its opening in 1928. That is why, even today, stars such as Pierce Brosnan, Wim Wenders or Joachim Król come to the Lichtburg for premieres and film galas.

With 1,250 seats, the legendary cinema is Germany’s biggest movie palace.

Address:
Kettwiger Straße 36
45127 Essen
Phone: +49 (0)201 231023, Programme: Phone: +49 (0)201 231024
E-Mail
Website

From the exhibition to nature: the Grugapark

A waterfall rushes in the quaint mountain landscape and shallow waves lap at the long red legs of the flamingos. Since 1929, the 70-hectare Gruga has been one of the most popular spots for leisure. It is one of the largest and most beautiful city parks in Germany. And best of all: The Grugapark is directly adjacent to the exhibition halls. After a busy day you can take the time for a bit of relaxation in the park.

The Gruga provides exceptional aesthetic enjoyment along with themed gardens, a spa and cultural events. The Gruga is also a sculpture park. Noteworthy are works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore and Alfred Hrdlicka, among others.

Website

The Grugapark becomes a wellness oasis through the unique “Spa on site” concept. After a busy day at the trade fair, there are many invigorating opportunities for relaxation and exercise.

The spa is situated just steps away from the exhibition halls, right in the Grugapark, Germany's biggest and most beautiful city park. The generous opening times in the evenings, at weekends and on public holidays also allow professionals to enjoy fitness and recuperation, without having to take a leave or extended time off for treatments.

Vitality, health and wellness services are part of the programme. The Grugapark invites you to take a sauna, daydream in the brine water or indulge in other aquatic options. “Spa on-site” also offers numerous opportunities for prevention and sports training.

Address:
Kur vor Ort
Lührmannstr. 70
45131 Essen
Tel. +49 (0)201 85610-0
Website

Lake Baldeney is south of Essen. There are approximately 14 kilometers of continuous walking and biking paths around the lake.

The lake is not only a popular tourist destination, but also a water sports paradise for sailors, oarsmen and kayakers. Those who do not want to take exercise can make a boat tour on the lake with the White Fleet.

One stop is located below the legendary Villa Hügel, the former residence of the Krupp family. On the other side of the lake there is a motorbike club, a campsite and a marina. On the Heisinger bank of Lake Baldeney is a large bird sanctuary which, along with a protected wetland, is used as a breeding territory for great crested grebes, cormorants, herons and other endangered birds.

As Seaside Beach Club, the former outdoor swimming area invites you with its sandy beach, palm trees, meadows, beach volleyball, a surfing school and cocktail bar on the northern shore.