Throngs of approximately 24,000 spectators relish in Dusseldorf's Night of Museums festivity
In the heart of Germany, the city of Düsseldorf recently celebrated its annual Night of Museums event. Despite the challenges of the early COVID-19 pandemic, the city managed to showcase its rich cultural heritage and contemporary art scene.
The event, which took place on Saturday, 26th April, saw over 50 museums, galleries, and off-spaces participate, offering a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages. However, specific details about the 2020 event remain scarce due to the pandemic's impact on public gatherings.
Key Düsseldorf cultural highlights, such as the Rheinturm, Kunstpalast, K20 museum, and Classic Remise, were noteworthy attractions, known for their collections, architecture, and art. The Marc Chagall exhibition at K20 and the "MAMA. From Maria to Merkel" exhibition were particularly popular.
Among the unique experiences offered during the Night of Museums were visits to the Shipping Museum, where interactive exhibitions allowed visitors to assist with tasks like hammering wooden nails or caulking ship seams. The castle tower hosted craft activities for both young and old, while the State Criminal Investigation Office showcased "Technologies and Criminalistics in the Digital Age."
The Memorial and Remembrance Site commemorated the 80th anniversary of the war's end with two special exhibitions open to the public on Saturday night. "Düsseldorf 1945. Survival in the City" explored the final weeks of the war in the historical air-raid shelter, while "Innovative, Successful, Jewish" honoured three Düsseldorf visionaries who are now forgotten.
The Cloud One Hotel and the Ingenhoven architecture firm invited guests under the heading "Architecture is also Art," showcasing urban planning and architecture as expressions of art and culture. The rooftop bar of The Cloud One Hotel provided a stage for a young Pop Art and Graffiti artist.
Despite the infrequent and overcrowded shuttle buses making the journey to the LKA challenging, the event demonstrated Düsseldorf as a city of culture with radiance. As Miriam Koch, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Integration, stated, the mix of young impulses, traditional institutions, and new places makes the Night of Museums an experience that lasts beyond the evening and brings people together.
On Sunday evening, the Rheinturm was illuminated with a large-scale video projection by artist Elena Panknin, marking the end of another successful Night of Museums in Düsseldorf. Although the specifics of the 2020 event may remain a mystery, the city's commitment to its cultural heritage and artistic expression shone brightly.
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