HELLWEG – ein LICHTWEG is a modular, constantly expanding art project in the Hellweg region. Initiated in 2002, the project brings together works of light art that are already made or undergoing completion in the public space to form an identity-creating whole.
Under the overall artistic direction of Matthias Wagner K, new works of light art by nationally and internationally renowned artists are projected and realised every year in partnership with cities and municipalities of the Hellweg region, the Centre for International Light Art Unna and invited guest curators. These artworks can only be experienced in their surroundings; they do, after all, form a coexistence with them: with the life habits of the people nearby, with the historical and present-day contexts, with the urban city and landscape zones – with what has shaped these places, makes them distinctive and special.
There is plenty to see, visit and experience along this trail of light art works. Selected tips and recommendations provide guidance through the Hellweg region and permit individual cultural excursions depending on personal wishes and interests.
We wish you hours of fun and fascination.
Founded more than 20 years ago, KunstVerein Ahlen e.V. has become one of the major addresses for current art in the Münster region. In the Municipal Gallery in the former Tovar shoe factory, it presents up to six exhibitions every year and promotes the positions of contemporary, particularly young art, from painting, sculpture and the plastic arts via photography, video and multimedia through to installation and performance.
INFO: Königstr. 7, Tel. +49 (0)2382/3511, www.kunstvereinahlen.de
Until its closure in 2000, the colliery with approximately 5000 employees was one of the town’s engines of development. It leaves behind an impressive testimony to industrial culture, which is now experiencing cultural and commercial re-use. With its glazed barrel roof, the beautifully preserved wage hall is optically dazzling and has become a unique events venue. The pit village, laid out in the style of a garden town, is also worth seeing.
INFO: Glückaufplatz 1, Tel. +49 (0)2382/9698120, www.zechewestfalen.de
This museum is one of the world’s few inter-religious museums. On view are exhibits of Christian gold and silversmiths’ art from more than one millennium, Jewish ritual objects plus treasures, ritual objects and sculptures from Buddhism and Hinduism, along with Islamic art. Furthermore, historical chronometers from four centuries are on show.
INFO: Oststr. 69, Tel. +49 (0)2382/3467, opening hours by agreement, www.museumimgoldschmiedehaus.de
Kunstmuseum Ahlen exhibits works of the classical modern age and of contemporary art in up to five temporary exhibitions per year. Added to these are comprehensive exhibitions on the subject of art and culture history, in alternation with presentations of the museum’s own collection. Operated by the Theodor F. Leifeld foundation since 1993, the museum of art is housed in a unique ensemble of buildings from three architectural eras. The establishment’s programme combines old and new.
INFO: Museumsplatz 1 / Weststr. 98, Tel. +49 (0)2382/91830, www.kunstmuseum-ahlen.de
In 1975, Bauhaus student and one of the most important post-war painters, Fritz Winter, initiated an exhibition venue for predominantly abstract and immaterial art in his parental home. Alongside the painter’s artistic legacy, works by his artistic peers and by contemporary painters and sculptors are on show.
INFO: Südberg 72-74, Tel. +49 (0)2382/61582, www.fritz-winter-haus.de
Accommodated in the Peterscher Hof, a timber-framed house from the 17th century, the Homeland Museum is an impressive testimony to the Münster region’s farming burgher culture. A vivid impression of the regional past and Ahlen’s urban development is conveyed here.
INFO: Wilhelmstr. 12, Tel. +49 (0)2382/59290, www.ahlen.de
Directly adjacent to the Kunstmuseum, the restaurant “Chagall” offers a varied range of cuisine. In addition, diners can enjoy a wonderful view of the Kunstmuseum’s sculpture garden from the garden terrace.
INFO: Weststr. 92-94, Tel. +49 (0)2382/91820, www.chagall-ahlen.de
The former Tovar shoe factory has become established as a highly popular events venue in the form of a socio-cultural centre with pub and restaurant. Besides the high-calibre series of concerts, the “BüZ-Fernweh” summer programme also is highly recommended.
INFO: Königstr. 7, Tel. +49 (0)2382/3005, www.schuhfabrik-ahlen.de
This restaurant offers the varied specialities of Anatolian cuisines. Dishes are prepared in a traditional clay oven on an open beechwood fire according to old Anatolian tradition.
INFO: Nordstr. 50, Tel. +49 (0)2382/83601, www.lehmofen.net
This Spanish restaurant with a panoramic view of Ahlen’s market square offers a wide selection of tapas and other Mediterranean specialities.
INFO: Markt 3, Tel. +49 (0)2382/703062, www.las-tapas-ahlen.de
The centrally located Art Hotel was co-designed by regional artists and features accessories by well-known designers. Besides the 9 single and 17 double rooms, the Art Hotel also offers a conference and restaurant area.
INFO: Warendorfer Str. 2, Tel. +49 (0)2382/70650, www.art-hotel-ahlen.de
This family-run three-star hotel is centrally located and offers single guests, families and small groups the right accommodation option in rooms and apartments with modern furnishings.
INFO: Dolberger Str. 6, Tel. +49 (0)2382/766690, www.cityhotel-ahlen.de
The rooms of this family-run establishment in rural surroundings – approx. 1.5 km away from the city centre – are fitted with all modern conveniences.
INFO: Walstedder Str. 178, Tel. +49 (0)2382/2929, www.haus-quante.de
Besides a restaurant, this very centrally located hotel also has a meeting room.
INFO: Weststr. 124, Tel. +49 (0)2382/7601522, www.zum-wersehof-ahlen.de
Ahlener StadtfestOn two stages and for three days, the Ahlener Stadtfest offers a varied entertainment programme comprising live music, international street theatre, dance and acrobatics on Ahlen’s Marktplatz.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2382/59472, www.ahlen.de
Tralla CityWhen Tralla City is on, the Marktplatz in Ahlen is the stage for colourfully entertaining music programmes and international street theatre performances on the first five Friday evenings of the summer holidays from 9 p.m.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2382/59472, www.ahlen.de
The Pöttkes- und Töttkenmarkt is a traditional Westphalian “odds and ends market”. The offering ranges from traditional handicrafts via ultra-modern technology through to quirky items.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2382/964300, www.wfg-ahlen.de
Under the motto, “feasting by the river bank of the Werse”, the Ahlener Gourmet Markt invites market-goers to try an exquisite selection of delicious treats, fine spirits plus coffee and cake specialities on the idyllic bank of the Werse. Every Whitsun weekend from Friday until Sunday.
INFO: www.gourmetmarkt-ahlen.de
Exciting, high-calibre cultural events in the fields of music, literature, stand-up comedy and fine arts are on offer at various events venues throughout the year.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2382/59446, www.kulturgesellschaft-ahlen.de