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Open House Essen 2024
September 7 @ 8:00 am – September 8 @ 5:00 pm
Open House Essen returns on September 7 and 8, 2024, inviting architecture enthusiasts to discover the hidden architectural gems of Essen’s northern districts. Under the theme “Transformation in the Ruhr Area: Buildings. People. Dialogue,” the festival explores the evolving landscapes and untold stories behind remarkable structures, many of which are usually closed to the public.
Pre-Festival Discussion on IBA Emscherpark
Ahead of the main event, a special discussion on September 3 will examine the legacy of the International Building Exhibition (IBA) Emscherpark. Moderated by Marius Hanke, the panel will include architect Peter Brdenk, Dr. Christina Anna Kloke from TU Dortmund, architect Christian Kohl, and Dr. Irene Wiese-von Ofen, former city planning director of Essen. This discussion will explore the impact of the IBA on the Ruhr area and consider the potential benefits of a new IBA initiative.
Festival Highlights: Adaptive Reuse and Creative Spaces
Highlights of Open House Essen include visits to the Heilig Geist Church in Essen-Katernberg, now a notable example of adaptive reuse, and the Hövelstraße Creative Studios, transformed from a former carpenter’s workshop into vibrant spaces for creative professionals. An exclusive bus tour will also take participants through Essen and Gelsenkirchen, showcasing significant architecture and urban development projects from the IBA Emscherpark.
Visual Stories Exhibition
Running alongside the festival, the Visual Stories exhibition will be open from August 22 to September 8 at the Forum Kunst und Architektur. This international exhibition, featuring contributions from twelve European cities, presents visual narratives on architecture and sustainability, offering broader insights into architectural transformation across Europe.
Engaging Dialogue and Discovery
Open House Essen 2024 is not just an architectural tour but a platform for dialogue about the region’s past, present, and future. Through expert-led tours and engaging discussions, the festival aims to inspire and inform, welcoming all to explore the evolving architectural landscape of Essen.
Finally, find out more on ArchUp: