Darmstadt's sights, art and culture
On a hill, the landmark of Darmstadt rises into the sky: the Wedding Tower. The Artists' Colony Mathildenhöhe, the Exhibition Hall, the Wedding Tower, the Artists' Colony Museum and the magnificent artists' houses from around 1900 give this hill its unique flair.
But there is more to discover in Darmstadt. The lively city centre, the colourful forest spiral of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, museums and galleries or the numerous parks and gardens. >> Darmstadt's sights
Darmstadt's culture is diverse - museums, galleries, renowned institutes from the fields of art, literature and music, state theaters and an independent theatre scene. Here are some ideas for your stay in Darmstadt.
You can find an overview of events, exhibitions and the cultural programme on the events page.
Do not miss: UNESCO World Heritage Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
The Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt, an ensemble from around 1900, is Darmstadt's best-known attraction. Due to its international importance as a decisive intersection in the development towards modernity in architecture, art, design and the creation of the living environment, it is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.
From the city centre you reach the Mathildenhöhe in about 20 minutes. From Luisenplatz, the short walk leads you past the Residential Palace and the darmstadtium, the modern science and congress centre up the Erich-Ollenhauer promenade, where you pass the Fraunhofer Institute for Computer Graphics.
At the top of the hill are the Russian Chapel, the Exhibition Building and the artists' houses, as well as the Museum Artists' Colony, which offers in-depth insights into the creative work of the Art Nouveau artists. Tip:The 48 meter high Wedding Tower offers a great view over the whole city to Frankfurt.
The whole world under one roof
On the basis of paintings, furniture, ornaments and everyday objects, the Museum in the Residential Palace gives an insight into the noble living culture of four centuries as well as the history of the princely residence and the house of Hessen-Darmstadt and its connections to other European dynasties.
The Hessische Landesmuseum Darmstadt offers a journey through the history of the earth, art and the world of animals. Beside an Art Nouveau collection, armor on the "catwalk" in the hall of arms or modern art with the "Block Beuys", there is also a large collection of cork models, a woolly mammoth and the picture gallery.
Here you can find a list of all museums: Museums in Darmstadt.
Take a walk from the market square into the Martinsviertel
Start your Darmstadt visit on the market square.Every Saturday, the weekly market takes place with fresh local produce. From April to October, every first Satuday of the month, the Datterich, a local historic figure, invites you for a chat on the weekly market.
From the market square, walk through the Herrngarten, Darmstadt's largest and oldest park, past the Porzellanschlösschen to the Martinsviertel. In the oldest district of Darmstadt with its numerous small shops, trendy cafés, studios and manufactures you can get to know the typical way of life in Darmstadt.
A must for fans of architecture is the Waldspirale, which lies north of the Martinsviertel. The spectacular residential complex was built from 1998 to 2000 according to the plans of the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. You'll get the best view of the area is from the parking garage roof opposite.
Cultural and leisure institutions
Ihr Eintrag ins Digitale Schaufenster: Onlineformular
WebKulturverein Darmstädter Residenzfestspiele e.V.
The Darmstadt Residence Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in Darmstadt in July and August. The festival was founded in 2001 by Wolfgang Seeliger and initially organised by the Darmstadt Concert Choir, now by the independent Darmstädter Residenzfestspiele e.V. association. The Residence Festival takes place at historical venues in Darmstadt and is therefore an important part of Darmstadt's culture.
TerminHessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt
The art and natural history collections of the counts and grand dukes are the foundation of today’s Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt (HLMD, Hessian State Museum). With its mixture of art, culture and natural history exhibits, the museum is one of the oldest all-round museums in Europe. In a close cooperation between Grand Duke Ernst-Ludwig and Alfred Messel, the building was specially designed for the different collections and was formally opened in 1906.
Accessibility is achieved in the HLMD to the best of its ability - as far as this is possible in an old building. In the house there are ramps, lifts, which can be used by physically disabled persons, and barrier-free toilets. In addition, there is an audioguide for blind visitors, who support the specially designed six touch models.
In the basement of the museum the museum café "HERZBLUT & ZINKE", offers warm dishes made from fresh, local produce as well as coffee and cake.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
Ice stadium Darmstadt
From late August to mid-March, the Eissporthalle in Bürgerpark Nord attracts many visitors to its 30 x 60 meter ice rink. Here you can slide, curve and dance. On Fridays, the ice rink becomes Disco on Ice.
The season ends at the beginning of April and starts again at the beginning of October.
Ehrenamt für Darmstadt e.V.
The association "Ehrenamt für Darmstadt e.V." supports art and culture in Darmstadt through the volunteer work of its members in areas that could not exist without this support. The association has over 400 members and is active in over 100 institutions. It is financed exclusively by contributions and donations.
Plane Tree Grove
On the occasion of the exhibition of the Artists’s Colony in 1914, the Platanenhain, a grove of plane trees planted in the 1830’s, was decorated by the sculptor Bernhard Hoetger with a row of sculptures and reliefs, which symbolise the circle of life.
Schader-Stiftung
The Schader Foundation is a non-profit foundation under civil law based in Darmstadt. It finances its promotional activities from the proceeds of the private assets donated by Alois M. Schader. The Schader Foundation was established in 1988.
The purpose of the Foundation is to promote the social sciences through communication and cooperation between the social sciences and practice as well as practical orientation in the social sciences.
The Schader Foundation sees its tasks in
Initiating: Asking questions and getting ideas off the ground
Communicating: Bringing together actors from science and practice
Moderating: Promote decision-making and implementation processes
Evaluate: ask for results
Publish: Disseminate ideas, experiences and results
The Schader Foundation Gallery regularly hosts exhibitions on various social topics.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Waldfriedhof
The 80 acre cemetry in the woods (Waldfriehof) is Darmstadt’s largest cemetry. It was opened in 1914. The architect was the head of Darmstadt’s city planning, August Buxbaum. The cemetry was designed in the shape of a horse-shoe. In the middle, a north-south pathway runs from the south entrance to the more recent additions to the cemetry. The city crematorium can be found in the Waldfriedhof.
Darmstadt sculpture garden
The Darmstadt sculpture garden is a place of diverse encounters for art and garden lovers. Guests get an insight into the specific features of the artist's garden, which has been created on Ludwigshöhe in the past eighteen years: sculptures, sculptures, objects, installations, natural sculptures, found and collectibles with the surrounding ambience develop into a total work of art on a 4,000 m2 forest area.
Guided tours
The sculpture garden can only be visited with a tour. The tours serve to better understand the art project and its public appreciation.
Sunday tours are without registration
Zoo Vivarium
Noisy monkeys, colourful birds, tropical fish and exotic reptiles are at home in natural enclosures, terrariums and aquariums. 2,000 exotic and native animals of 190 species live on 5 hectares. The walk-in kangaroo facility and the petting zoo with African pygmy goats offer close-up animal observation.
Participation in numerous national and international breeding programs underlines the conservation work in Darmstadt's zoo. Several important breeding groups of endangered reptile and mammal species live here.
The zoo school offers the opportunity to learn a lot of interesting facts about the animals. In the extracurricular learning location "Zoo Vivarium Darmstadt", the little guests experience biology lessons with all their senses - seeing, hearing, smelling and touching.
Tip:
Forest and meadow adventure path with barefoot path and discovery game in the zoo Vivarium
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission for adults
The zoo as an event location
Are you looking for an extraordinary location with a special atmosphere for business or private events? At Darmstadt Zoo Vivarium you can turn your event into an unforgettable experience - whether seminars, celebrations, presentations or other festivities.
- Zoo school for up to 45 people
- Aquarium hall for up to 60 people
- Piazza (outdoor area) for up to 100 people
Institut für Neue Technische Form (INTeF)
On the occasion of the Darmstadt Discussions "Human and Technology" and the exhibition on the Mathildenhöhe under the patronage of the then Federal President Theodor Heuss, the Institute for New Technical Form (INTeF) was founded as the first German design institute. With its endeavors to honor art and design, small series and industrial products in equal measure, the INTeF now occupies a unique position in Germany and is the point of contact for foreign design institutions.
Palace Museum Darmstadt
The versatile collection of the museum, founded in 1924 by Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, takes you on a journey throug the centuries with its numerous regional and family history references. In the showrooms, which are furnished according to epochs, the Palace Museum presents paintings and sculptures as well as applied art from the 16th to the early 20th century e.g. furniture, tapestries, clocks, glass, ceramics, gold and silver works.
The period rooms can only be visited with a guided tour included in the admission price. The guided tours take place every 90 minutes from 10 am.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
Prinz-Emil Garden
This intimate garden, with tiny castle, pond and wrought-iron pavilion originally contained late baroque elements, but around 1900 it was completely turned into a landscaped garden. From the terrace of the castle, the former owner and finance minister Karl Friedrich von Moser enjoyed an uninterrupted view stretching as far as the Rhine river. The water basin enhanced the impression of distance.
Grube Prinz von Hessen
The bathing lake known as the "pit" is not a natural body of water– lignite was mined here between 1908 and 1921. After the plant had to close in 1924, the pit filled with water, was used as a reservoir for it, and always (illegally) also as a bathing place. Since 1974, the banks have been flattened and planted - and Darmstadt has one more open-air swimming pool!
Today, the "pit" is still a popular destination for young and old, for swimming, taking a walk, oder fishing. Situated away from the city, it can be reached by bike or by taking the FU bus line.
Oberfeld
The Oberfeld in the east of Darmstadt, south of Dieburger Straße - the name "Oberfeld" only became common in the 19th century - was created as a medieval clearing island, presumably in the 14th century, in order to gain additional arable land for the growing population of Darmstadt.
population. Another use was stone carving. In the south of the Oberfeld, quarries had been operated since the 16th century. Copper and iron ore were also mined. In the 17th century, ditches and fences were built along the edge of the forest to protect the fields.
fences were built along the edge of the forest to protect the fields from escaping game.
Since the late 19th century, the people of Darmstadt discovered the Oberfeld and the surrounding forest as an excursion destination. The Verschönerungsverein (beautification association) laid out footpaths and
benches.
To this day, the Oberfeld is used by the people of Darmstadt as a local recreation destination, increasingly so in recent years since the renovation of the Rosenhöhe created a direct path connection to the Oberfeld and the farm of the Oberfeld estate cultivates the arable land with a variety of crops, grazes the meadows with a herd of cattle and, through a variety of initiatives, creates a new attraction for young and old.
Kammerkonzerte Darmstadt
The yearly series of chamber music concerts „Kammerkonzerte Darmstadt“ exists since 1971 and is an inherent part of the musical life in Darmstadt. The interested audience has the opportunity to listen to excellent soloists and ensembles from all over the world, with old and new repertoire.
Citydome Darmstadt
The Darmstadt city centre cinemas offer space for 1,550 visitors in 13 cinemas, divided into the four cinema locations "Helia Kinos", "programmkino rex", "Festival" and "Pali". The cinema location is centrally located on Luisenplatz and can be reached by public transport (bus stop Luisenplatz) and very easy to reach by car. Public parking is available in the parking lot "Q-Park Grafenstrasse".
Konzertchor Darmstadt e.V.
Today, the Konzertchor Darmstadt belongs to the most famous choirs in Germany. It was founded in 1977 by the conductor Wolfgang Seeliger, and within a few years the choir also gained great recognition at an internatronal level. In addition to the concert activity, Radio, television and CD recordings are performed. The Konzertchor is always looking forward to new singers.
Bezirksbad Bessungen
The Bessunger Bezirksbad is a well-kept and cozy indoor swimming pool in the district of Bessungen, close to the Orangery garden in Darmstadt.
The Bessungen district pool will be closed on Sunday, 24 December 2023 up to and including Tuesday, 26 December 2023 and on Sunday, 31 December 2023 up to and including Monday, 1 January 2024. From Tuesday, 2 January 2024, the Bessungen district pool will be open again as normal.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
Darmstädter Tage der Fotografie e.V.
The „Darmstädter Tage der Fotografie“ developed 2004 from an initiative of photographers. The international festival is meanwhile named as one of most important German photography events. It places relevant themes and cultivates an interdisciplinary discourse in the photography. A whole weekend numerous activities do throw a light on the main theme from different perspectives: photography exhibitions, symposium and discussions are giving the examination with photography a unique concentration.
halbNeun Theater Darmstadt
A cabaret in the center of Darmstadt is the "halbNeun" theatre, which has become a place of national significance since its founding in 1980. At the weekend, up to 200 guests can enjoy a wide range of drinks in a pleasant atmosphere. From political satire over music cabaret to comedy, all cabaret sections are covered. But also music events - mainly folk, chanson and musical specials - have found a solid position on the stage of the "halbNeun" theatre. During the winter semester the programme is supplemented by performances for children.
Archive of the Technical University Darmstadt
The university archive is the public archive of the TU Darmstadt. According to the legislation of the state of Hessen, it has the task of taking over the archive material from the university, of preserving it and making it available for viewing and further use.
The archive is open by appointment.
Programmkino rex
The main focus of the cinema rex is a diverse range of arthouse productions. Mainly on Mondays, the rex shows a selection of the films in the original version with subtitles.
All rex cinemas can be reached barrier-free.
Railway Museum Darmstadt-Kranichstein
In the former rail depot, the "Verein Museumbahn" presents over 200 railway vehicles from all stages of rail history. The programme consists of guided tours through the vehicle fleet, a collection of historical signals and points and a model of the Main-Neckar railway. Steam train rides also take place regularly.
Open April until September
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
One-time 50% discount on the regular admission price for adults
Galerie ubuntu
The new use of the Ubuntu headquarters not only offers interested parties a platform to present their art, but also the opportunity to be creative together, to make creative offers and to network in the future.
MUSEUM Jagdschloss Kranichstein
Grand dukes and landgraves used this small renaissance castle as their base for hunting expeditions. In 1907, Landgrave Ernst Ludwig set up the hunting museum here. A large collection of weapons, equipment and hunting trophies as well as 13 differently laid-out saloons illustrate the life there and the nobility's passion for hunting.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
The MUSEUM is closed on 24., 25. and 31. December as well as on 1. January.
GutscheinDarmstadt State Theatre
The Staatstheater Darmstadt offers music and dance theater, drama and concert. The theater is located on the Georg-Büchner-Platz in the neighborhood of the Ludwigskirche and the Mollerhaus and is visible with its eye-catching theater portal as well as its bright marble facade, accentuated with shimmering brass plates.
When it was completed in 1972, it was one of the first theatres in Germany in which stages, workshops and administration were gathered together under one roof.
Accessibility:
The areas are all accessible by elevator and in the small and large house as well as in the Kammerspiele wheelchair users can avail pre-reserved places. A floor guidance system and the marking of staircases allows orientation for visually impaired and blind people. For people with hearing aids, there is an inductive hearing system in all three rooms.
For further information, please visit: www.staatstheater-darmstadt.de/service/barrierefreiheit
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
15% discount on all repertoire performances, i.e. no premieres, guest performances or special events
Rosenhoehe
The rose garden (Rosarium) with its enormous variety of roses is the centre of attention on the Rosenhoehe, which came into being under Landgrave Ernst Ludwig. The hill became a park as early as 1810, when Grand Duchess Wilhelmine created a landscaped garden, with pavilions, swings and a tea house. The Rosenhoehe, with its old and new mausoleums, is also the final resting place of the families of the grand dukes.
Castle Moat of the Residential Palace
Since 2014, the former moat (Schlossgraben) is, again, as a park open to the public.
The history of the Darmstadt Botanical Garden begins in 1814, when the moat of Darmstadt Castle was supplied with water from the Darm and Soderbach brooks, both of which contained sewage from the neighbouring old town. This led to an unbearable stench in the moat during the summer months. Johannes Hess (1786-1837), a grand ducal building councillor who was also interested in botany, therefore proposed draining the ditch and founding a botanical garden on the newly reclaimed land. On 17 June 1814, the Grand Duke approved Hess's plans and thus we can regard this date as the birthday of the botanical garden.
In the scientifically planned grounds, native plants - primarily herbaceous representatives - were cultivated first and foremost.
It soon proved to be completely inadequate, and so in 1829/30 the first relocation took place to the Herrschaftliche Bosquett, today's Herrngarten. After several further moves, the Botanical Garden has been at its present location between Woog and Lichtwiese since 1874.
Internationales Musikinstitut Darmstadt (IMD)
The International Music Institute Darmstadt (IMD) was founded in 1948. Its purpose was to continue in a more comprehensively planned manner the „Summer Courses for International New Music“ which had made their first appearance in 1946. The new entity would facilitate connections between German and international musical life. The most important ingredient was to be a comprehensive library, which seeks as complete a collection of all important works of contemporary music as possible, complemented by an archive of recordings, books, and periodicals as well as other documents of current musical activity. Though this goal seemed enormously daunting under the difficult post-war circumstances, it was brought to fruition with unexpected speed.
Then as now, the purpose of IMD is to organize events, networks, and documentation for the music of our time. This work was recognized in 1998 and 2000 by a development grant from the Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation, as well as in 2002 by the Hessian State Prize for Culture.
ShopKünstler-Galerie "Künstler in Bewegung" im Carree
Die Künstlergemeinschaft ist ein Zusammenschluss von 14 Künstlern aus dem Grossraum Darmstadt. Über 3 Jahren haben die Künstler in einem Leerstand im Einkaufszentrum BOULEVARD erfolgreich eine Künstler-Galerie in Eigenregie betrieben.
Nach Kündigung durch den Investor des Boulevard ist es den Künstlern unter Einschaltung von Darmstadt Citymarketing gelungen, kurzfristig einen Ersatz Standort im Carree zu finden
Auf über 150 qm Galeriefläche werden seit 2.7.2021 mehr als 160 Exponate unterschiedlicher Stile und Techniken (Acryl, ÖL, Aquarelle, Tinten und Siebdrucke) und Skulpturen präsentiert
more informationen
Heimatverein Darmstädter Heiner e.V.
The Heimatverein Darmstädter Heiner e.V. organises the Darmstädter Heinerfest, which has been taking place since 1951 always on the first weekend in July. The Heinerfest is one of the largest inner-city festivals in Germany and offers a diverse programme and attractions for the whole family in the inner city around the castle.
Arheilger Mühlchen
The Arheilger Mühlchen in Darmstads northern district Arheilgen is idyllically located in the middle of the green corridor of the stream Ruthsenbach and away from traffic. The natural bathing lake has been used as a public swimming pool since 1924 and is an oasis for families with children as well as for those seeking peace. There is also a kiosk for guests' convenience.
In the small pond beside the Mühlchen which is overgrown with water lilies, fish-breeders and other water-birds are frequently observed. The old trees of the lovingly tended park provide the necessary shade on hot summer days. The holiday atmosphere of the bath is complemented by the changing rooms and showers, restored according to historical models.
Due to the de-silting currently underway, the Arheilger Mühlchen will only be able to offer limited bathing operations from Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Opening hours are expected to be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until the start of the summer vacations.
Public City Library
The Stadtbibliothek Darmstadt is a public library and an educational, information and cultural facility of the City of Darmstadt for the entire population.
Brochure in easy language
The public library offers the brochure "Willkommen in der Stadtbibliothek" in easy language. The brochure has summarized the most important information, such as addresses and opening hours of the main office and the branch offices, and regulations in easy language for all people who want to use the city library, as well as answers to various questions: How do I borrow a book from the library? How do I get a library ID? What lending periods are there?
The Jazz Institute
Darmstadt’s jazz institute hosts Europe’s largest public jazz collection. Information on the history and current developments in jazz can be found in its archives. The vaulted cellar under the institute is the venue for jazz concerts. The jazz institute tries to build a bridge between science and practice, between services for the jazz scene and the documentation of musical developments from yesterday and today, between regional culture and international discourse.
Literaturhaus Darmstadt
The central role in this house plays the literature - more than eight literteral institution are based in this building. But also clubs, which deal with photography, fine arts, philosophy and other exciting topics have their place here. The topics are as diverse as the institutions. The detailed programme can be viewed at www.literaturhaus-darmstadt.de.
Info:
Due to renovation work, the Literaturhaus is closed until the end of 2023. However, events will continue to take place; information on the respective venues can be found on the website www.literaturhaus-darmstadt.de.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission for events in the main program in the lecture hall / literature house
7-Hügel-Steig (7-hills-hiking-trail)
The 13 km long route with slight inclines starts from the Ostbahnhof, with seven hills lined up south of Darmstadt. The most famous hill is the Mathildenhöhe, the centre of Art Nouveau.
A detailed description of the route to the 7-Hügel-Steig can be found on the Bergstraße-Odenwald website.
Hessen State Archives
As "House of History", the Hessen State Archive plays an active role in researching the history of the state and in historical-political education. It offers a range of events including exhibitions, lectures, guided tours and publications. The State Archive cooperates with history commissions and societies as well as the State Office for Regional History of Hessen.
Dianaburg
The Dianaburg was built in 1765 as a hunting lodge and was also actively used for this purpose. Gradually, however, the building fell into disrepair as interest in hunting and pleasure palaces waned. Until it was restored in 2004 by an association founded for this purpose, youth groups had used it for camps and group work. Today, citizens of the districts of Arheilgen, Kranichstein and Wixhausen can get married here.
Located close to the "Kalkofen" inn, it is still worth taking a trip to the former castle and the fish pond within walking distance.
Nordbad
The 50 by 21 meter competition pool, the 25 by 16.75 meter multi-purpose pool with an integrated three-meter diving tower and an aquacross course, the exercise pool with dimensions of 12.5 by 8 meters, the teaching pool with an area of 20 by 12 meters and the small children's paddling area allow a variety of exercise options.
The Nordbad will be closed on Sunday, 24 December 2023 up to and including Monday, 25 December 2023. On Tuesday, 26 December 2023, the pool will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Closed on Sunday, 31 December 2023 up to and including Monday, 1 January 2024.
From Tuesday, 2 January 2024, the Nordbad will be open again at the regular opening times.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
House of Industrial Heritage
The House of Industrial Culture (HIK) is temporarily closed.
The printing museum is a part of the Hessen state museum in Darmstadt.
The printing museum gives an insight into the techniques of type casting, typesetting, and print methods. Numerous still-functioning machines document the transition from manual labour to machines in the printing trade from the beginning of the 19th century until the 1970s.
Weißer Turm
In the middle ages, the Weisser Turm (White Tower) was part of the town’s fortification. After the demolition of the city walls in the eighteenth century, it became a clock and bell tower. Its silver bell chimed whenever a member of the ruling family died. Today, the tower is a landmark in Darmstadt’s city centre and is home to a photo gallery.
Special guided tours: Tel. 0151 2263 5269
Porcelain Collection of the Grand Duchy of Hessen in Prinz-Georgs Palais
With the opening of the Porcelain Museum in 1908, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hesse and by Rhine made the princely family's possessions, which had been accumulated over centuries, accessible to the public.
One focus is on the ceramic products of the Kelsterbach factory and the Höchst and Frankenthal factories located in the region. With Meissen, Nymphenburg, Sèvres, Vienna and St. Petersburg, further important manufactories are represented. With more than 4,000 objects from faience, stoneware and porcelain, the collection provides an overview of the artistic development of European ceramics from its beginnings to the end of the 19th century.
The museum is open during the summer months, from 1. April to 31. October.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
Kunst Archiv Darmstadt e.V.
The Kunstarchiv Darmstadt e.V. is a documentation centre for the visual arts in Darmstadt and surrounding area. It archives the work of past artists' generations, establishs a dialogue with contemporary artists and organises exhibitions mainly from its own collections, flanked by readings, concerts, guided tours, exhibition catalogues and the list of artists. A library with over 4,000 publications and more than 600 folders is available for research, as well as for public and private use.
Regional Gallery South Hessen
"An oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city", writes the press about the gallery at the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt, which presents up to four exhibitions a year from artists from the Rhine-Main/Südhessen region. The collegiate building can be visited all year round as a monument to the State of Hesse. A permanent exhibition with works by regional artists and artists can be visited.
Dates and topics of the special exhibitions can be found on the homepage.
Herrgottsberg
Even Goethe and his followers appreciated the wooded climb up the Herrgottsberg, the peace and quiet and the experience of nature. The fact that there have been inns, plantings and benches since the 19th century is a sign of the enduring enthusiasm for the mountain. Even today, it is a popular destination for excursions; between the barbecue and children's playground, nature can still be experienced undisturbed.
Exhibition Hall on the Mathildenhöhe
The Exhibition Hall on Mathildenhöhe, which opened in 1908 together with the Hochzeitsturm, is the venue for outstanding special exhibitions of international contemporary art as well as art and culture around 1900. The tension between contemporary presentations and cultural-historical positions of the turn of the century results in an extraordinary and vital programme in which utopias and a spirit of departure meet a striking sense of form and reality.
The Exhibition Hall remains closed due to general renovation.
The "Hochzeitsturm“ (Wedding Tower) and the Exhibition Hall (1907-1908) were the work of Joseph Maria Olbrich. Hidden under the hall is the fascinating vault of a walled water reservoir, a technical masterpiece.
The reservoir was built between 1877 and 1880 to the plans of the engineer Otto Lueger at the highest point of the Mathildenhoehe – and at the time fed the city’s water supply network.
Kunstforum der TU Darmstadt
The Kustforum (art forum) of the Technical University Darmstadt has set itself the task of encountering contemporary art and dealing with socially relevant topics. It offers space for young art, socially relevant and local historical topics and opens new perspectives on established artists.
TheaterLust
The TheaterLust is a small theatre in Darmstadt-Arheiligen.
Many theatregoers long for sophisticated, sophisticated entertainment, for well-told stories. TheaterLust would like to contribute to fulfilling this longing: with international comedies, faithfully and effectively told, cast according to type, with a stage set from historical to minimalist that leaves room for the audience's imagination.
Observatory Darmstadt
The observatory on Ludwigshöhe, a popular destination in southern Darmstadt and one of the highest points in the city, has existed since 1981. The building was built and expanded with a great deal of work, in large part by the club members themselves. The observation devices are distributed over a large roller roof platform and a dome. These include workshops, exhibition and group rooms, a lecture hall and an extensive library with over 600 volumes of astronomical literature.
Messel Pit World Heritage Site
In 1995, the Messel pit was the first German natural monument in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It provides a unique insight into the early evolution of mammals and documents the development of the Earth 48 million years ago when, after the end of the dinosaur age, explosive changes determined the animal and plant world.
Several 10,000 fossils from the Eocene period have been excavated in the Maarvulkan Lake which was created 48 million years ago, and about 3,000 new finds are added annually. In addition to the high number and diversity of animal and plant fossils, their unique preservation of whole body skeletons, skin and coat shadows, feathers and stomach contents is particularly in the Messel pit.
Guided tours are held every day and invite visitors to discover this unique place. Anyone who visits this place will be amazed by the diversity of topics, which is also reflected in the permanent exhibition "Zeit und Messel Welten" (visitor centre). Here, industrial history, landscape, volcanism, rainforest and evolution are explained. The treasure chamber with several original finds also exerts a great fascination.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission for the visitor centre
from 1 May 2024: 2 for 1: two regular tickets for the price of one
Galerie Netuschil
Gallery Netuschil, founded in 1976, represents contemporary art of the 20th and 21st century, painting, original works on paper and graphic reproduction, with a focus on sculpture. Individual and themed exhibitions are part of the gallery programme. The gallery offers a wide range of contemporary art through its temporary exhibitions.
Vortex Garden
The Vortex Garden with a villa on Mathildenhöhe is Darmstadt's only public park in private ownership.
Designed according to the principles of permaculture and the balance of natural eco-systems, the owner would like to make the garden accessible as a "place of vitality, renewal and recreation". On request, the design and the idea of the garden are explained to interested visitors.
From 9 am to 9 pm the garden is open for visitors free of charge.
The "Haus Martinus" (formerly "Haus Hubertus") was designed in 1921 by the architect Jan Hubert Pinand.
Papiertheatersammlung Walter Röhler in Darmstadt
Walter Röhler, born in DA in 1911, actually wanted to become theatre director, but had to be content with the profession of a teacher. His passion for the theatre prompted him to build a home stage and to perform plays himself. In addition, he started early to build a collection of original sheets for the assembly of paper theatres and to collect fully assembled stages.
The collection comprises 114 paper theatres, 77 complete sets of figures and scenery, over 9,000 paper theatre sheets and a specialist library and much more.
The Röhler Collection is part of the Darmstadt Municipal Art Collection and has been administered by the Mathildenhöhe Institute since January 2019, which has now also taken over the administration of the Paper Theatre Collection again - this in cooperation with the Cultural Office of the City of Darmstadt.
More information on the W. Röhler Paper Theatre Collection will follow soon on the homepage www.mathildenhoehe.eu.
Internationales Waldkunst Zentrum (IWZ)
The International Forest Art Center has a gallery, open spaces (30 works of art), archive and artist residency. 11 International forest art trails in Darmstadt, USA and China have been organized so far.
The forest art trail in Darmstadt is 2.6 km long with 35 sculputures and starts in the forest at the Böllenfalltor.
Akaziengarten
The garden between Eschollbrücker Straße and Schepp Allee was laid out in 1817, still far outside the city, at the instigation of Grand Duke Ludewig I on a property that belonged to his daughter-in-law, Hereditary Princess Wilhelmine. Eight paths radiated through the garden from an octagonal central square. Due to the poor sandy soil, it was planted with acacias and therefore got its name.
Since 1986 the garden and the perimeter buildings have been listed as an ensemble.
Darmstädter Kantorei
Darmstädter Kantorei is one of the most powerful choirs in the region and is located at the Stadtkirche of Darmstadt. With the Great Choir, the Chamber Choir and the school for singing, it offers a broad spectrum of oratorio performances, choir a cappella as well as musicals for children and young people. In addition, the Darmstädter Kantorei also invites renowned guest ensembles to play in the Stadtkirche.
Ostparkweg - from the city centre to the Darmbach source
The Ostparkweg leads from Darmstadt's city centre along the Darmbach to the east, to the Darmbach source behind the Fischerhütte or as an alternative to the Oberwaldhaus at the Steinbrücker Teich.
The Ostparkweg connects the recreational areas close to the city such as the Rudolf-Müller-Anlage, the Woog, the area around the Botanical Garden with the forest behind the Lichtwiese to the Darmbach spring or via the Oberfeld to the leisure area at the Steinbrücker Teich.
Botanic Garden of the Technical University Darmstadt
The botanic garden of the Technical University Darmstadt dates back to 1874. Visitors can experience hundred year old exotic trees, winding paths by the local stream as well as heather and alpine gardens and swampland. Between eight and nine thousand different varieties of plant can be found in more than 10 acres of open land and about 1300 square metres of greenhouse, many times more than the number of indigenous plants.
The outdoor area of the Botanic Garden is open on weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 7:30 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 7 pm.
From May to October, the outdoor area is open on the first Sunday of every month from 9 am to 6 pm.
Lincoln Wall
With a length of almost 700 metres, the "Lincoln Wall" is Hesse's largest legal graffiti wall: the soundproof wall on the B3 brings street artists from all over the world to Darmstadt.
Over the years, the so-called "Lincoln Wall" has become a kind of outdoor art gallery: well over 100 graffiti the once grey concrete structure.
A walk along the 700-metre-long wall is worthwhile to discover new motifs again and again.
Wixhausen Village Museum
Housed in a Franconian timbered house, the museum of the protestant parish of Wixhausen, Darmstadt's most northerly district, is a record of how people used to live and work. Daily life in the 18th and 19th century is portrayed through three display workshops, household articles, toys and photographs.
The Wixhausen Village Museum starts the season at the beginning of April. Until the first Sunday in October (Thanksgiving Day), the museum is generally open for events as "Back und Schnack", the Kerb and the Kelterfest. The museum is always open on the 1st SO of the month from 2.30 - 4 pm. Exact dates can be found on the website.
Alter Friedhof – the Old Cemetry
Known today as the "Alter Friedhof“, Darmstadt’s old cemetry between the Nieder-Ramstaedter-Straße and Herdweg dates back to 1828. Originally rectangular in shape, additions in 1848, 1873 and 1894 have led to its current form. The oldest tombstones are to be found in the northern part of the cemetry.
Darmstadt’s oldest graveyard was around the parish church (Stadtkirche) and was used until 1739. But soon there was no more space there and the Kapellplatz became the new cemetry. By the start of the 19th century, this too had no more room for burials. As a result, the city opted for a new cemetry in the Nieder-Ramstaedter-Strasse. In 1847, the cemetry on the Kapellplatz was turned into a public park.
Herrngarten
Initially laid out as a large vegetable garden, the Herrngarten became a baroque pleasure garden in the 17th century und later, in the 18th century under Countess Caroline, an English-style park. To the north-east, it borders on Prinz-Georgs-Garten, a Rococo-style complex in which fruit and vegetables can be found in between the trees and shrubs.
Darmstadt Artists' Colony Museum
The Artists' Colony Museum in the Ernst Ludwig House built in 1901, documents the history of the Darmstadt Artists' Colony (1899-1914) on the Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.
The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the creative work of universal artists such as Joseph Maria Olbrich and Peter Behrens. The idea of the Gesamtkunstwerk as the ideal of the Art Nouveau movement is brought to life in spatial ensembles. The museum's sculpture studios, built in 1904, host special exhibitions from the 19th century to the present.
Downhill from the museum lie seven of the eight artists‘ houses, which were show-cased during the first exhibition in 1901 (three further exhibitions were held in 1904, 1908 and 1914).
The Artists' Colony Museum is certified for accessibility in the "Reisen für Alle" project.
The detailed information can be found here: www.reisen-fuer-alle.de
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
Spanish Tower Sculpture Garden
The Spanish Tower Sculpture Garden on the Rosenhöhe and in the immediate vicinity of the Oberfeld is a centre for high-class sculpture. It presents renowned national and international artists in annually changing exhibitions. The sculpture garden is a place where art and nature enter into a charming symbiosis that gives rise to lively interactions.
bioversum Jagdschloss Kranichstein
The exhibition in the former armoury of the hunting lodge (Jagdschloss Kranichstein) is a vivid and highly interactive presentation of the diversity of nature. The many events are directed especially at children with an interest in nature. Since 2015, they can play, observe, experiment and build things in the 16.000 square metre "outdoor laboratory".
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
The bioversum is open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.
The bioversum is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January.
The open-air laboratory is open in the summer half-year.
Institut Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
The Institut Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt is an internationally oriented multi-disciplinary centre for the fine and applied arts. With its distinctive Exhibition Hall including the Wedding Tower, the Artists' Colony Museum and the Municipal Art Collection, it is in every respect an exceptional place for researching, presenting and communicating art and culture since 1900, with a special focus on the present. The aesthetic heart of Darmstadt beats here. The Institute preserves the cultural heritage of Darmstadt's unique Artists' Colony and dynamises this historic setting of Art Nouveau for the present day.
German Academy of Language and Literature
The German Academy of Language and Literature is dedicated exclusively to the German language and literature. Members include renowned authors, critics and translators, as well as linguists and literary experts, but also lawyers and natural scientists, whose work demonstrates a deep interest in the German language.
Forest Art Trail
The Verein für Internationale Waldkunst e.V. has been organising the "International Forest Art Trail" in Darmstadt every two years since 2002, each with a different theme. It extends in the Darmstadt forest district for 3.3 km from the Böllenfalltor to the Ludwigshöhe, past the Goethefelsen, Goethe pond and Ludwigshöhturm.
The path through the forest can be viewed as a forest adventure path in order to promote the character of scouting and exploration by the visitor. With the means of art, the forest is brought to the attention of the visitors in a new way.
Centralstation (former power station)
The Centralstation was built in its original form in 1888 as Darmstadt’s first power station. The power station served mainly as a supplier of electricity for the street lamps in the town centre, the royal court and its theatre and, from 1897, also for the city’s trams. The plant was operational until 1921 and made Darmstadt, after New York and Berlin, the third city worldwide with such a comprehensive electricity supply.
In the 1990’s, the area around the City Carree was completely transformed and today, the Centralstation is a venue which features readings, exhibitions, lectures, dance events and jazz and pop concerts with artists from all over the world.
At concerts, people with disabilities are also welcome. They are getting discounted tickets and also get past entry to ensure a good spot right in front of the stage. In the basement there is a "toilet for all", which is easily accessible by elevator.
More Information: www.centralstation-darmstadt.de/service/barrierefreiheit/
Darmstädter Sezession
Darmstadt Secession is a non-profit association for visual artists, based in Darmstadt. The association was founded on June 8, 1919. The founders included the painters Max Beckmann and Ludwig Meidner. Today, the artists' association has about 100 members nationwide. Once a year, an exhibition is organized, at which the members and applicants for the main and advancement award of the Secession are invited.
Alnatura-Campus
The new Alnatura Campus was built on a former barracks site in the southwest of Darmstadt. The heart of the 55,000 square meter site is the Alnatura working environment. It is the largest office building in Europe with an external façade made of clay.
The Alnatura campus is freely accessible. A discovery trail across the site shows how a former military site finds its way back to its origins as a natural landscape and how it is developed into a sustainably cultivated landscape.
Medical Spa Darmstadt
Oasis of tranquility in the heart of Darmstadt. Treat yourself to some time for yourself and take advantage of our wide range of offers to bring body, mind and soul back into balance.
In our Medical Spa you will find:
* Infrared sauna
* Infrared cabin with colored light
* Cry-T-Shock body modeling
* Microneedling
* Lymphatic massage
* skin tightening
* Support for cellulite
* Wellness for men and women
No matter if you just want to take time for yourself or if you want to do something specifically for your body, we are here for you!
Orangerie
In 1716 Count Ernst Ludwig established a baroque orangery garden in Bessungen. His architect Louis Remy de la Fosse planned a small castle to be used as winter quarters for the valuable citrus trees. Lack of money meant that only the west wing and a greenhouse were built. These buildings are used today as a restaurant and as a venue for various events.
Altstadtmuseum Hinkelsturm
The Hinkelsturm was originally a fortified tower and part of Darmstadt‘s city walls. Today, the tiny building houses a museum which documents, over three floors, life in Darmstadt‘s former old town (Altstadt). A detailed model of the houses and the very narrow streets (scale of 1:160) shows how crowded it was to live there and brings back to life the area which Ernst Elias Niebergall immortalised in his cult novel „Der Datterich“.
The Museum is open in the summer months from April until October. Starting in November, you can book individual tours at 06151 48135
The theatre "die stromer"
The theatre "die stromer" is a mobile theatre for children, teenagers and adults. Since 1994, the "stromer" have visited theatres, community centres, kindergardens and elementary schools. In small villages and large cities, from Flensburg to Bregenz, from Stuttgart to Saarbrücken, and especially in Darmstadt and the Rhine-Main region. The pieces are slanting and funny, combine charm and depth.
TU Darmstadt Schauspielstudio e.V.
Although it is firmly linked to the TU Darmstadt, the "TUD Schauspielstudio" has always been a colourful ensemble with actors of all ages and professions. The nearly 40 active members work in complete self-government around everything that belongs to the theatre work. In addition to the happenings on stage, there is always a large team behind the scenes. Everyone is welcome, who is interested in working on, under or behind the stage.
Ludwigshöhe
The Ludwigshöhe, also called Bessunger Hausberg, is a popular excursion destination in the south of Darmstadt.
Discovered as a destination at the beginning of the 19th century, the flow of visitors increased from year to year. After the construction of a small wooden temple, a massive inn was built in 1838, which was constantly rebuilt and expanded over the years. The excursion destination was crowned by the construction of a 27.5 m high lookout tower, the Ludwigsturm
Art Nouveau Bath
The "Darmstadt City Bath", built between 1907 and 1909, offered separate swimming pools for men and women as well as showers and bath tubs for people with no bathroom.
Following extensive renovation, the complex with its three wings and Art Nouveau decor is today a true wellness temple with swimming pool, outdoor pool, sauna and SPA.
Eberstädter Mühltalbad
The Mühltalbad is located in Eberstadt, the southern part of Darmstadt, at the foot of Odenwald and Bergstraße with a wonderful view of the hill Frankenstein.
The bath was opened in July 1959 and offers as an architectural feature a large window front, from which one can observe the swimmers under water.
The bathroom is exclusively solar heated. There is also a kiosk for guests' convenience.
Renovation of Mühltalbad: Mühltalbad will remain closed for renovation work in the 2024 summer season.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
Scheftheim Meadows and Menhir Site
The nature reserve "Scheftheimer Wiesen" was established in 1993. On 166.7 hectares there are protected wetland biotopes, burial mounds and the menhir complex, a formation of erected granite blocks. Here, history and nature combine in a very special way!
West Side Theatre
The Westside Theatre in the former Schenck canteen offers simply good theatre. With eighty seats, it offers a comfortable setting for sensual and exciting theatre experiences: from the early Brecht to the street sweepers "Ladies Night", "Billies Blues" over Jazz ikon Billie Holiday, American dramas and Broadway comedies. In addition, there are international guest plays and jazz, as well as dance theatres. The in-house drama school of theatre director Peter H. Jährling offers lessons for beginners and professionals. Free parking is available at the house and a small kitchen tops off the service.
Hessen Design e.V.
Hessen Design e.V. is a competence, consultancy and mediation center for design in Hesse, which makes outstanding design services visible in its entire cultural, social and economic range. The country-wide orientation offers up-to-date industry information and a competent expert network of Hessian cultural and creative industries. The association promotes networking between designers, universities and regional companies. The varied annual programme offers design events, exhibitions, practical advice and a current educational programme.
City Archive Darmstadt
The City Archive provides, among other services, files, books, newspapers and photographs to help answer questions on all aspects of the history of Darmstadt.
Steinbruecker Teich / Oberwaldhaus
The former forest of Darmstadt's nobility surrounding the large "Steinbruecker Teich" lake is a much-loved recreational area just outside the gates of the city. Mini-golf, pony rides, pedal boots and a playground for children with and without handicaps all await the vistor.
Since 1901, the café-restaurant Oberwaldhaus offers refreshments, a beergarden and also rooms for overnight guests.
Pony riding Oberwaldhaus: www.ponyhof-oberwaldhaus.de
Pony riding: for children from 3 to 4 years
Take a pony walk (a pony without a rider!): from 5 years
from March to October: Saturday 2 pm to 5 pm, Sunday/Holidays: 1 pm to 5 pm
Only in dry weather, without registration.
Check www.ponyhof-oberwaldhaus.de for further information.
Hunting history stalk - through the Kranichstein Forest
The tour through the Kranichsteiner Forest is particularly suitable as a bicycle tour for families, but can also be easily completed on foot. Start at the car park in front of the bioversum or at the car park at the Wertholzlagerplatz on Kranichsteiner Straße (near the railway crossing). The Messeler Straße is crossed at two points, the rest of the route leads through the forest on firm paths.
A colourful dog's paw shows the right way. Eight double-sided boards accompany the stalk and provide information for children on one side and for adults on the other. In addition, there is an adventure element at each station that invites visitors to join in. All along the route, small boards provide information about specific events on the spot.
Route length: 4.5 km, no ascents, firm footpaths
Duration: adults on foot 2-3 hours, with children approx. 3 hours including breaks
Break facilities: 2 picnic facilities and rest areas are located directly along the route.
Hochschulbad
The university stadium was one of the first university competition sites in Germany. It was established in 1928 and could be used by the population from the very beginning.
With a renovation by the Technical Universaty in 2009 and 2010 the swimming pool now visually resembles the original state of the 1920s. Both swimming pools are heated.
The swimming pool is open until 1. September.
Goldene Krone
The "Goldene Krone" is a living legend. For more than 350 years the house has been located in Schustergasse 18 and still is the home of youth culture, a forum for concerts and music festivals for all age groups. Since 1975 , the Goldene Krone is a multimedia location, which has been an unforgettable experience for many generations with its fascinating flair.
In addition to pub evenings, rock bar, disco and DJ, there is the daily "Krone coffee" from 1 pm.
EARLSTREET
EARLSTREET is a free network of creative people with temporary use concepts for temporarily vacant or unused properties / locations.
EARLSTREET develops projects in the fields of art, design and architecture with a mostly subcultural approach. In the formats / exhibitions / installations EARLSTREET shows works by contemporary artists and gives space to as many styles as possible.
EARLSTREET has existed since June 2009 and is currently located in the rear building at Pallaswiesenstrasse 25 (EARLSTREET 25) and in the showcases at Schulstrasse 5 (EARLSTREET 5) in Darmstadt. Since then, more than 50 different formats have been realised in more than 8 locations in the city.
DSW-Freibad
The DSW-Freibad is located directly next to the Nordbad and is surrounded by a generous outdoor area. Its ten 50-meter tracks in the modern stainless steel basin and the water kept at constant 26 degrees makes it particularly interesting for athletic swimmers.
It is a popular training place for Darmstadt swim clubs and on summer weekends it' a frequent venue for some of the top-class swimming and water sports events.
Designhouse Darmstadt
The Darmstadt Design House is located on the Mathildenhöhe, in the immediate vicinity of the Wedding Tower. The house was designed in 1907/1908 by the architect Alfred Messel. Since its completion in 1909, the building has experienced a varied history. The foundation of a close connection with design institutions was laid early on in the Alfred Messel House, and thus today it bears the name "Design House". In addition to Hessen Design, the Design Department of the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (h_da) uses the rooms temporarily for seminars, conferences and diploma exhibitions.
Prinz-Georg-Garden
In 1764, Ludwig VIII gave the former Prettlackschen Garden to his son, Prince Georg Wilhelm. The garden, which bears his name, was of a closed geometric shape. Today the baroque garden house is home to the porcelain collection of the grand duchy. A free public library can be found in the prettily painted and renovated Prettlackschen garden house. The basic structure of the garden has remained unchanged over the centuries.
Kunstfabrik e.V. BHF 2
Since 2007 in the renovated Wixhäuser Bahnhof, the Kunstfabrik has been a public forum for contemporary art.
Kinopolis Darmstadt
The KINOPOLIS Group from Darmstadt, with a company history going back more than 100 years, is one of the most traditional German cinema companies.
The programme includes blockbusters and major international productions, from action to comedy, from thrillers to entertainment for the whole family.
Boulderhaus Darmstadt
Since 2015 in Darmstadt. For everyone who enjoys climbing.
Großer Woog - Naturfreibad
The popular bathing lake is located in the center of the town and nevertheless forms an island of peace and seclusion. The "Großer Woog" is not only a place of rest and bathing pleasure. The nature paradise is also a meeting place for many waterfowl, such as Stockenten, Gießhühner and Great Blue Heron. The beautiful spacious park invites you to rest and linger.
The Woog was probably created as a quenching pond in the middle of the 16th century. Around the year 1820 he was first mentioned as a public bathing pond.
The entire ensemble, consisting of "family bath" and "island", is under monument protection. The functional building on the family pool side was rebuilt following the example of the "Frauenbad" ("womens' bath"), which was created in 1927/28, and was handed over to the public in 1994.
Swimming pool "Family Bath"
Landgraf-Georg-Str.121
Swimming pool "Island"
Heinrich-Fuhr-Str.20
The summer season for the Woog swimming pool is mid May to end of August.
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission
Slektion Gallery
The Slektion Gallery on Stadtkirchplatz is the first exhibition space in Darmstadt to offer a platform to exciting, internationally renowned artists from the field of Urban Contemporary Art.
Opening hours:
Fridays & by appointment
Raus in die Region - Raus ins Grüne
Darmstadt is not only located in the FrankfurtRhineMain region, but is also the gateway to the Bergstrasse and the Odenwald. The region offers diverse landscapes, historical and modern architecture, exciting history, regional delicacies and much more.
There is much to discover.
Frankfurt Rhine-Main is the culturally and economically vibrant region in the heart of Europe.
The Bergstrasse from Darmstadt to Heidelberg offers around 30 castles and palaces along the way and, as a wine region, also offers specialities such as the Red Riesling. The Odenwald invites you to go hiking and cycling, to historic old towns and hidden farms, and offers cultural, culinary and sporting activities.
The Bergstrasse-Odenwald Geo-Nature Park (UNESCO Global Geopark) invites you to discover a charming landscape steeped in history, covering an area of 3800 km² between the Rhine, Bergstrasse, Odenwald, Main and Neckar rivers.
Planet Trail on the Ludwigshöhe
The planet trail deals with the closer cosmic environment of our earth and informs about the most important objects of our solar system. Starting from the sun, one walks through the solar system on a scale of 1 to 1 billion - every meter walked corresponds to 1 million kilometers in the solar system.
The distance of the path is 2.8 km and can be done in 1.5 to 2 hours. More information about the planet path on the website of the Geo-Naturpark Bergstraße-Odenwald.
Kunsthalle Darmstadt
Only the portico remains today from the old neorenaissance style exhibition hall of the Darmstadt Kunstverein (society of art). It is now the boundary of the forecourt of the building newly erected in 1957. Where earlier, avantgarde from 1900 and the applied arts of Jugendstil were on display, today a series of temporary exhibitions of contemporary art can be viewed. Three large alternating exhibitions a year accompanied by numerous events ensure a rich program.
The unique ambience of the Kunsthalle offers even more: as an extraordinary location for your event with flexible possibilities for small and large groups up to 200 persons on a total of 1,500 m² including the outdoor area. Information: www.kunsthalle-darmstadt.de/Vermietung_16_0.html
Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:
reduced admission to an exhibition
Accessibility
The entrance and exhibition area are accessible without steps.
The sanitary facilities and the studios are not barrier-free.
German-Baltic Society e.V.
As a bridge to the Baltic States, our association has been committed to the European idea of the encounter of cultures and bringing people together for 70 years.
The German-Baltic Society (DBGes) was founded in 1950 as the German-Baltic Landsmannschaft i.B. e.V., an association of Baltic Germans from Estonia and Latvia. Its headquarters are in the Reinhard-Zinkann-Haus, the House of the Baltic Germans, in Darmstadt. The DBGes' main aim is to preserve and communicate the cultural heritage of the Germans from present-day Latvia and Estonia and organises meetings and conferences in Germany and the Baltic States for this purpose.
The House of the Baltic Germans in Darmstadt
The imposing villa "Haus Haardteck" at Herdweg 79 is a listed building and was built in 1898 according to plans by Heinrich Metzendorf. At the end of the 19th century, the architect combined elements of historicism with the then new Art Nouveau style. Particularly beautiful details are the sandstone relief on the entrance side with a dragon slayer as a motif, the small fountain in the courtyard and numerous details inside.
In the vernacular, the villa is still called "Pillenburg" today, because its first owner was the son-in-law of the factory owner and pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck. Until 1943, the villa was used as a private residence, after which it served as the headquarters of various offices and, from 1952, as an old people's home for the German Red Cross. In 1983, the owner families Zinkann and Hector handed over the property to the Baltic Germans - since then it has been used in many ways as a conference and meeting centre.
Conference and Meeting Centre "House of the Baltic Germans
Art Nouveau ambience for conferences and festivities
The Centre of the Baltic Germans in Darmstadt is not only a forum for all those interested in the Baltic States - in its people, its history, its culture and its present. The beautiful representative rooms on the ground floor (see floor plan) offer a generous social and at the same time familiar setting for
- Conferences, seminars and training courses
- club meetings
- exhibitions and concerts
- lectures and readings
- Weddings, baptisms, birthdays, confirmations
Events in the venerable Art Nouveau villa have a special, unmistakable flair. The rooms can be used for a variety of purposes, for seminar groups and celebrations for up to 80 people and for concerts/readings for up to 90 people. The house has basic technical equipment for presentation events. A modern kitchen in the basement is available for self-catering for smaller groups.
Kulturinstitut Atelierhaus Vahle
The Cultural Institute
The Cultural Institute Atelierhaus Vahle is located in the former home and workplace of the artist couple Inge (1915-1989) and Fritz (1913-1991) Vahle, which is now owned by their son, the children's song writer Fredrik Vahle. It is a source of continuing creativity for artists, writers, scholars and, last but not least, for an interested public.
The Friends
The "Förderverein Atelierhaus Vahle e.V." maintains the heritage of the "Atelierhaus Vahle". It organises literature days, lecture series and symposia. Enriching art excursions are organised for members.
The C. Klein Gallery
The former studio is highly suitable for the presentation of art because of the selected lighting conditions and the appealing proportions.
The main characteristics of the painting shown by the C. Klein Gallery are nature-relatedness in various forms of abstraction.
Opening hours
during ongoing exhibitions
Friday 15 - 18.30
Saturday 11 - 14 h
and on request
Guided tours for groups by appointment.
Werkbundakademie Darmstadt e.V.
The idea of a Werkbundakademie came up as a result of the German Werkbundtag in 1998 in the House of Industrial Culture in Darmstadt and can be traced back to an initiative of the Deutscher Werkbund e.V. With the establishment of the Werkbundakademie Darmstadt e.V. on 1. November 2000, this idea was put into practice.
Since then, the academy has been promoting education, art and culture. She seeks content-related and organizational support and cooperation with interested people and institutions in all topics and activities.
The academy relies on forms of creative collaboration between scientists, designers and artists in tasks and projects that aim to facilitate, relieve, improve and cultural identity in everyday human life. This goal is pursued through projects, exhibitions, word and picture events, publications and statements and serves to raise awareness of good quality in the design of a humane environment in the interaction of art, technology, media, industry, science, craft and trade.
BMX facility in Bürgerpark-Nord
The newly built BMX facility in Bürgerpark-Nord is one of the largest and most modern outdoor facilities in Germany and offers riders wooden ramps and bowl areas for a wide range of performance levels on a total area of around 2,500 square meters. A special feature is the integrated Resi Ramp. A ramp covered with foam and rubber, which invites you to practice jumps and other tricks thanks to the cushioning and suspension.
Deutsches Polen-Institut
Regarding Polish history and the present, social phenomena or cultural events, Darmstadt and the German-Polish Institute offer a unique competence centre in Germany. The institute, founded in 1979, first gained a high cultural-political reputation by providing Polish literature.
Today, the German Poland Institute is a centre for Polish history, politics, culture and society and German-Polish relations. It combines practice-oriented science and research, educational offers for schools and universities, political forums, editorial projects and public events.
Hofgut Oberfeld
The Hofgut Oberfeld is the last farm in the heart of Darmstadt. Many offers such as e.g. the Hofcafé and the farm shop, the Saisongärtel or the "Lernortbauernhof", an agricultural educational initiative at the Hofgut Oberfeld invite you to join in and experience.
The Hofcafé is open daily from 9 am and from 2 pm on public holidays (closed on Sundays)
The farm shop is open Mon-Fri from 9 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm.
Bread rolls at the bakery counter: Mon-Sun from 8 am. No bread roll sale on public holidays.
Contact
Darmstadt Shop Luisencenter
Luisenplatz 5
64283 Darmstadt
Tel.: +49 6151 - 1345-13
Fax: +49 6151 - 1347-5858
information@
darmstadt.de
Opening hours
Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
Closed on public holidays.
Art Nouveau in Darmstadt
#darmstadtbildetbanden
Numerous Darmstadt cultural institutions joined forces in 2020 and created a virtual advent calendar under the motto "Darmstadt bildet Banden". In this cooperation, the diversity of Darmstadt's culture will continue to be presented - e.g. with digital and virtual offers or the display of various shop windows in the city centre.
Kultur einer Digitalstadt (Culture in a Digital City)
»Kultur einer Digitalstadt e.V.« is a platform for artistic research, interdisciplinary discussions and cultural networking in the digital City of Darmstadt.
Darmstadt Card
The Darmstadt Card is available as a one-and two-day ticket, it includes the use of all public transport in the city area (fare zone 40) and discounts to numerous cultural facilities.
Wir für Kultur - We for Culture
Culture is omnipresent. Culture is essential. The "Wir für Kultur" initiative invites you to donate the amount that we would normally spend on going to the theater, cinema or concert, to cultural institutions.