How would you like to take a tour of one of the most spectacular and prestigious European universities? Ever wanted to visit a studio apartment of a world famous architect? How about taking a digital history lesson about your town?

All of these experiences as well as thousands of historic monuments, parks, and archaeological sites will be available in Germany on 9th September to mark the celebrations of European Heritage Days 2018.

As announced few months ago, Germany will explore cross-European connections within the 25th edition of its national Open Monuments Day (Tag Des Offenen Denkmals). The country will open doors to 7500 venues for visitors to enjoy and learn more about the tangible and intangible ties that bind Germany to the rest of Europe. The following list highlights some of the heritage sites that will be open to the public this weekend.

Great Hall Assembly Building

Photo: Das alte Auditorium maximum, Source: Wikipedia

The most visited European university dating back since 1734 will provide heritage enthusiasts with a remarkable opportunity to visit one of the greatest works of art inspired by classicism – Great Hall assembly building at the "Georg-August-Universität" in Gottingen. Some of the most well-known historical figures attended the university either as students, professors or alumni. Its vast cultural significance is recognized beyond the German borders. The so-called “Wall of Kings” represents an astounding display of portraits and statues of the monarchs that ruled from the foundation of the university until 1888.

Hans Scharoun’s apartment

What better way to understand the magic behind one of the icons that gave Berlin its unique architectural landscape than to visit the studio-apartment where he lived and created. The Berlin studio-apartment of Hans Scharoun, best known for his organic and expressionist style in architecture will be open to architecture and heritage enthusiasts this Saturday and Sunday.

The Center Charlemagne

Photo: Art installation Mein Karl by Ottmar Hörl on Katschhof place of Aachen, Source: Wikipedia

The Center Charlemagne - New City Museum takes local, national and international guests on a digital tour through the history of Aachen. The interactive museum displays the most significant events in the town’s history from the Neolithic through the Baroque era to today’s culturally diverse landscape. The museum honours the forefather of Europe – Charlemagne both by its name and in the international, multilingual, and multicultural character.

Museum Jerusalem-Panorama

The only original panorama left in Europe that portrays a religious scene is the monumental round painting in Altötting. This “Gesamtkunstwerk” by Gebhard Fugel combines several art forms in order to produce the interactive effect to the audience. The impressive, 1200 square meters painting depicting the ancient city of Jerusalim and the Crucifixion scene is displayed in the dodecagon building that originates from 1903. The well-known pilgrimage site welcomes heritage and religious travellers alike to take part in the one of a kind heritage experience.

Kunstquartier Culture and Arts Centre

The guided tour to the art centre (Kunstquartier) in Göttingen will explore the Günter Grass Archive, a building from 1310, designed as an exhibition object, as well as a three-storey half-timbered building that is repaired and in use today.

Through these and thousands of other events that will be taking place during the weekend, citizens and visitors in Germany will discover the connecting elements in the shared European legacy and historic connections between nations and cultures. For more information and detailed list of events visit: www.tag-des-offenen-denkmals.de.

Featured photo: © Gerhard Baum, Source: www.tag-des-offenen-denkmals.de