75 years of friendship: Bochum celebrates the connection to Sheffield!

75 years of friendship: Bochum celebrates the connection to Sheffield!

A special event will be celebrated in the region next week: On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the exhibition "Bochum - Sheffield. 75 years of friendship and twinning" will open at 6 p.m. in the Haus Kemnade Cultural History Museum in Hattingen. This exhibition marks an important anniversary, as the twin town relationship between Bochum and Sheffield has existed since 1950 and is the oldest international connection in the city of Bochum, as bochum-tourismus.de reports.

Seven decades after the founding of this partnership, the exhibition will not only show the friendly ties between the two cities, but also honor civic engagement. In particular, the focus is on supporting artistically talented young people. In addition, the innovative power inherent in products “Made in Sheffield” is documented.

Insight into the past and future

Bochum's first twin city was Sheffield, and the beginnings of this partnership occurred just after the Second World War. This demonstrates the desire to heal the wounds of the past and to bring together the former opponents at the local level. The cooperation was promoted with the support of Sheffield residents who were part of the occupying power in Bochum. The partnership officially began in October 1950 under Mayor Willi Geldmacher, as bochum.de notes.

The exhibition not only offers numerous photos that provide a vivid picture of Sheffield and the connection between the cities, but also an exciting presentation of Sheffield's transformation. In the Sheffield Inn you can experience the development of this city from an industrial past to a center for art, music and theater.

Town twinning as an instrument of communication

City partnerships, such as the one between Bochum and Sheffield, emerged after the Second World War to promote exchange between citizens of different countries and to contribute to European understanding. This is also described by the German section of CEMR, which defines such partnerships as formal, unlimited connections based on a partnership agreement, which is explained in bpb.de.

The partnership between Bochum and Sheffield is emblematic of reconstruction and the tireless commitment to peace and understanding in Europe. Despite all the changes that both cities have experienced, the twin town connection remains strong and firmly anchored. Shared values ​​such as friendship, connection and trust keep the relationship alive.

The exhibition will be on view until September 28, 2025 and guarantees an exciting insight into the long history of the town twinning as well as the mutual exchange of cultural and scientific achievements. A visit is not only an opportunity to find out about past friendships, but also an invitation to become an active part of the dialogue between cultures.