Krefeld's history in pictures: Memories of the summer sales!

Krefeld's history in pictures: Memories of the summer sales!

A lot is happening in Krefeld, especially in the summer of 2025. The city center in particular is attracting numerous visitors with its legendary summer sales (SSV). The SSV is known for its textile offerings and magically attracts bargain hunters. If you're in town, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to pop into the shops and get a good deal or two. The sale is supplemented by the winter sale (WSV), which is staggered to make room for the new spring collections. Such events enrich city life and show how lively Krefeld is.

A special highlight is the exhibition “Krefeld Impressions in b/w”, which focuses on the work of the former press photographer Karl Heinz Lengwenings. Lengwenings, who was born on February 10, 1927 and died on June 18, 2017, left behind an extensive photographic legacy. He documented not only everyday scenes, as the street shows in a press photo from 1970, but also socio-political, cultural and sporting events in Krefeld. The close connection to the city becomes particularly clear when we talk about his numerous activities at various media, such as the Neue Rhein/Neue Ruhr Zeitung and the Westdeutsche Newspaper, speak.

Experience culture and history up close

The Krefeld City Archives preserve valuable records that preserve the city's historical memory. Visits are possible to inspect files, certificates and many other documents. For those interested, the archive offers a wealth of information about the city's history, including the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a book about "Krefeld in 65 Stories", which recently appeared in its third edition. Priced at 10 euros, there are 1,000 copies available, which are ideal as collector's items and shed light on the history of Krefeld from Roman times to the current year.

The city archives are also planning various events. On May 8, 2025 there will be a film evening about Krefeld companies under National Socialism, an exciting opportunity to learn more about the city's dark past. Anyone who is also interested in recent history can visit the traveling exhibition “Wanting everything to know. The Stasi and its documents” from April 10th to May 2nd, 2025. This shows how important it is not to forget the dark chapters of history.

A lasting legacy

Karl Heinz Lengwenings' work makes it clear how important documentation can be for the memory of a city. His extensive private archive of hundreds of thousands of black and white negatives is an invaluable treasure. Even after his retirement in 1989, Lengwenings remained active and used his skills in freelance photography, including for national media. Peter Lengwenings, his son, has managed to prepare his father's photographic legacy in an impressive series that well captures the fascination with Krefeld's changes over the years.

At a time when history often seems fast-moving and fleeting, Karl Heinz Lengwening's legacy through his photographs is a true treasure that reminds us where we come from and the changes our city has experienced. Visit the exhibitions and events in the city archives or discover the offers during the SSV to experience the diversity of Krefeld up close!