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Historic buildings open their interiors for public exploration, surpassing the milestone of 1,000 structures.

annually provides a glimpse into historically noteworthy structures, normally beyond public reach, through the event known as 'Heritage Day'.

Historic structures offer public access, exceeding 1,000 in number.
Historic structures offer public access, exceeding 1,000 in number.

Historic buildings open their interiors for public exploration, surpassing the milestone of 1,000 structures.

Day of Open Heritage in North Rhine-Westphalia: Exploring Priceless Treasures

This September 14th, the largest cultural event in Germany, the Day of Open Heritage, will take place across North Rhine-Westphalia. Organised by the German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD), over 1,000 historical buildings will be open to the public, inviting visitors to delve into the region's rich history.

The theme for this year's event is "Worthwhile: Priceless or Irreplaceable?" and it promises to be an exciting journey of discovery. Here are some highlights:

  • In Meinerzhagen, a tour of the former atomic shelter of the Warning Office IV is available. While details about the tour guides are not provided, visitors can expect an insightful exploration of this unique piece of Cold War history.
  • The North Rhine-Westphalia State Archive in Duisburg offers a tour of its impressive building, housing one of the largest archive buildings in Europe. Additionally, workshops on reading and writing in Sütterlin script are on offer, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region's historical document preservation.
  • In Bad Honnef, the Aranka association is making the last eel trap of the Middle Rhine accessible to visitors. On board, explanations about the history of eel fishing are provided, offering a unique and educational experience.
  • The Water Castle Borbeck in Essen offers several guided tours, including one focusing on the oldest park in the Rhineland and another on the role of women as former imperial princesses.
  • In Münster, a guided tour titled "The Facade as a Message" provides a unique perspective on the town hall.
  • The District Government of Düsseldorf's building will be open to visitors, featuring traces of the NS era and a ride in a paternoster elevator.
  • In Aachen, visitors can explore the historic canal system by descending into the underworld. Knee-high rubber boots are recommended for this intriguing journey.
  • Lastly, in many locations, guided tours and special activities are available, adding a touch of excitement to this historical exploration.

The Day of Open Heritage aims to raise awareness about the importance of monument protection and preservation. So, mark your calendars and join in this celebration of North Rhine-Westphalia's priceless and irreplaceable heritage!

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