Rediscover stained glass: Mönchengladbach's day of the open monument

Rediscover stained glass: Mönchengladbach's day of the open monument

On Sunday, September 8, 2024, a special event takes place in Mönchengladbach as part of the nationwide "Day of the Open Monument". The focus this year is on the subject of "Precumement of light and color". This gives the citizens the opportunity to discover the fascinating world of glass art, especially the stained glass of classical modernism.

The stained glass, which not only includes painted window panes, but also artistically designed windows, has often been a shadowy existence in the past. Reinhard Köpf, the head of the lower monument authority, notes that many residents of Mönchengladbach do not know what an important position the city is taking in modern stained glass. With various events, the city would like to rekindle the joy of this art form and strengthen awareness of it.

events and tours

The festive day begins at 1 p.m. in the City Church Alter Markt with an opening speech by Claudia Schwan-Schmitz, the technical deputy. Afterwards, Reinhard Köpf will give a lecture that illuminates the role of Mönchengladbach in stained glass. From 2 p.m., guided excursions are on the program, in which the participants can explore the glass painter in the city center. The routes lead from the Protestant Christuskirche on Kapuzinerplatz to St. Vitus Münster, whereby visitors will discover many impressive examples of stained glass.

In order to further promote enthusiasm for glass art, the city has also published an information brochure. This is not only available online, but can also be viewed in public institutions such as libraries, town halls as well as in the Museum Abteiberg and in the Museum Schloss Rheydt. The brochure contains both images and in -depth texts that present the topic of stained glass clearly and informative.

nationwide importance of the monument day

The "Day of the Open Monument" is the largest cultural event in Germany, in which between 5,000 and 7,000 monuments open their gates every second Sunday in September in September. In Mönchengladbach, in addition to the presentation of the municipal monument protection department, the Schriefersmühle will also be accessible to interested parties from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. An excellent opportunity for citizens to deal with the history and culture of their city while they can also experience significant art forms.

For more information about the nationwide "Day of the Open Monument" and the planned events in Mönchengladbach, interested parties can visit the website www.tag-des-offenen-denklale.de. Here you get a comprehensive overview of the various monuments opened for visits and the programs offered.