Design is more than just aesthetics; it's a way of life, a cultural statement, and a reflection of society. In Germany, cities like Mannheim, Weimar, Celle, and Hannover have embraced design in unique and inspiring ways. From stunning Jugendstil architecture to vibrant street art and revolutionary Bauhaus designs, these cities offer a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. Let's take a closer look at what each city has to offer.
Mannheim: A Canvas of Urban Art and Architectural Marvels
STADT.WAND.KUNST: An Open Urban Art Museum
Since 2013, Mannheim has transformed into an open urban art museum with over 30 large-scale murals gracing the city. The initiative, spearheaded by the Kulturzentrum Alte Feuerwache, continuously invites international street artists to participate in the STADT.WAND.KUNST project. This project allowed the transformation of Mannheim into a vibrant and colourful city, with each piece adding to the unique character and atmosphere of Mannheim. Street art has become part of the city's identity and has enriched the lives of amazing artists to spread their work and its inhabitants.
Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbH/ Alexander Krziewanie
Notable works include Falk Lehmann's "Gegen das Vergessen," based on portraits of Holocaust survivors from Luigi Toscano's photo project, and OKUDA's vibrant "Girl’s Love," which mesmerizes with its size, colour, and clear message. BOND TRULUV's "Stairway To Heaven" even comes to life through an app. These murals turn Mannheim into a dynamic gallery, celebrating artists like FRAU ISA, SAINER, and HOMBRE SUK.
For those wanting to explore these artworks, the Tourist Information Mannheim offers three guided tours: a 1.5-hour tour through the Quadrate, and two 2-hour tours through Neckarstadt-West and Unterstadt with Jungbusch. Alternatively, an overview map is available for those who prefer to venture out independently.
Architectural Landmarks: The Water Tower and the Baroque castle
Mannheim's Wasserturm (The Water Tower), a Jugendstil masterpiece, is a proud symbol of the city. Along with Friedrichsplatz, it forms one of Germany's most beautiful Art Nouveau complexes. The 60-meter high tower, with a 19-meter diameter, holds 2000 cubic meters of water and is crowned by a statue of Amphitrite. The surrounding area features manicured gardens and fountains, creating a picturesque and tranquil environment.
Wasserturm Tourismus Stadt Mannheim GmbH/ Achim Mende
A few hundred meters away is the Baroque castle, Europe's second-largest baroque palace, now home to the University of Mannheim. This historical marvel invites visitors to explore its grand museum, where meticulously restored rooms and over 800 exhibits showcase the opulent lifestyle of the Elector (Kurfürsten) era.
Stadtmarketing Mannheim GmbH/ Achim Mende
Weimar: The Birthplace of Bauhaus and German Democracy
Bauhaus Museum Weimar
Weimar is not only strong in art – when it comes to design, Weimar is outstanding. The city is synonymous with Bauhaus, the revolutionary art and design school that redefined modern aesthetics. The Bauhaus Museum Weimar showcases treasures from the world's oldest Bauhaus collection, featuring design classics and architectural icons. Visitors can explore experimental setups that envisioned a new society, reflecting the innovative spirit of the Bauhaus movement.
Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau/Tadashi Okochi
Exhibition - “The Bauhaus Comes from Weimar”
In the exhibition “The Bauhaus Comes from Weimar,” you will be able to explore the revolutionary ideas, designs, and endless creativity of the Bauhaus movement! This isn’t just any art exhibit; it's a deep dive into a world where artists and designers of the 1920s asked the timeless question, “How do we want to live together?” Spoiler alert: the answers are as fresh today as they were back then!
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:
● Legendary Lamp: The iconic table lamp by Wilhelm Wagenfeld and Carl Jakob Jucker that could probably outshine your smart bulb
● Teapot Awesomeness: Marianne Brandt’s teapot, making your daily brew an artistic experience.
● Chairs and Cheers: Marcel Breuer’s lattice chair – perfect for sitting and contemplating life (or just looking really cool in your living room).
● Furniture Fabulousness: Designs by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe that scream sophistication.
● Graphic Greatness: Stunning works by Paul Klee, László Moholy-Nagy, and Lyonel Feininger – your eyes are in for a treat!
House of the Weimar Republic
The House of the Weimar Republics is a poignant reminder of Germany's first democracy. This modern, multimedia exhibition traces the rise and fall of the Weimar Republic, providing a historical context that resonates with contemporary issues.
Thüringer Tourismus GmbH/Florian Trykowski
Discover Germany's first democracy with a memorial in Weimar, spearheaded by the Weimar Republic Association. Their permanent exhibition in the former Kunsthallel explores the Weimar Republic's revolutionary beginnings, political establishment, daily life during the "Golden Twenties," and the crises it faced. The visitor centre complements this exhibit, where you canchoose between six theme worlds: Are you interested in the awakening of 1918? The everyday life of a republic? The laboratory of modernity with its exciting inventions and new developments? The international connections of the Weimar Republic? For its endangerment and destruction? Or do you want to deal with current issues against a historical background? Explore various topics through exhibits, multimedia stations, and sound-enhanced silent films from the Weimar Republic era.
Additionally, the artist's garden provides a cultural refuge in Weimar's heart, hosting summer events such as readings, concerts, and film evenings, making it a vibrant space for community and cultural engagement.
Celle: A Testament to Bauhaus Architecture
Otto Haesler’s Bauhaus Legacy
Celle is a living museum of Bauhaus architecture, thanks to the visionary architect Otto Haesler. His designs, characterized by bold, rational, and functional elements, still dominate the city's landscape. Notable sites include the Altstädter School, the Italian Garden, and the settlements of Georg Garten and Blumläger Field. Guided tours on foot or by bike offer an in-depth look at Haesler's contributions.
Tourismus Marketing Niedersachsen GmbH/Dirk Renckhoff
The Otto-Haesler-Museum, with its original and meticulously preserved museum apartments, provides an immersive experience of Bauhaus living.
Hannover: A Graffiti and Street Art Wonderland
Street Art & Graffiti Tours
Hannover’s vibrant street art scene brings color and creativity to the city's neighborhoods. In districts like Mitte, Linden, List, and Nordstadt, street art and graffiti adorn building facades, contributing to the city's diverse and dynamic character. Exploring these artworks independently allows for a personal and intimate art experience.
The Street Art & Grafitti Tours are the perfect way to discover Hannover and will lead you through the different parts of the town. See the graffiti in the Waterloo underpass created for the 2006 FIFA World Cup to make the journey to the HDI Arena more inviting. Discover the depictions of important milestones from the Grünserzeit - a periode of major industrialisation – on the house walls in Grotestrasse.
Stroll along the Engelbosteler Damm from the Christ Church to the North Station and enjoy the several streetarts and graffitis, for example the Hola Utopia by the artist Rookie. The Nanas in Hannover are three colorful, large-scale sculptures by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, known for their bold, curvy shapes. These sculptures celebrate women in art and society with a playful and joyful spirit. Since their installation in the 1970s, the Nanas have become iconic public artworks and sparked discussions on feminist aesthetics.
DZT/Francesco Carovillano
Germany's design and urban art scenes offer an eclectic mix of historical grandeur and contemporary creativity. Whether you're wandering through Mannheim's urban murals, delving into Weimar's Bauhaus treasures, exploring Celle's architectural heritage, or discovering Hannover's street art, each city provides a unique journey into the world of design. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to be inspired by the artistic wonders these cities have to offer.
You can read more about German design here:
https://www.germany.travel/en/campaign/cultureland-germany/design.html
