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.
The leisure park on the grounds of the former Maximilian colliery was created for the NRW Garden Show in 1984 and has, today, lost nothing of its attraction. Its trademark is the glass elephant – the former coal washing transformed into a walk-on sculpture.
INFO: Alter Grenzweg 2, Tel. +49 (0)2381/982100, www.maximilianpark.de
The museum building planned by internationally renowned architects Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert is one of the most tradition-steeped museums in North Rhine Westphalia. The collection covers Egyptian art, town history, pre- and early history, applied art, and painting of the 20th century and the present day.
INFO: Neue Bahnhofstr. 9, Tel. +49 (0)2381/175714, www.hamm.de/gustav-luebcke-museum.
The Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple has stood in Hamm since 1989 and is Europe’s biggest Dravidian Hindu temple. The 14-day temple festival, during which the statue of the goddess Sri Kamadchi Ampal makes a circuit around the temple in a procession and blesses the town’s inhabitants, draws more than 15,000 faithful and visitors to Hamm every year.
INFO: Siegenbeckstr. 4, Tel. +49 (0)2388/302223, www.kamadchi-ampal.de
This 16th-century inn is captivating with its decoration of wooden barrels, sacks of hops and barley and historical implements. Rustic charm and good food on four floors.
INFO: Eylertstr. 15, Tel. +49 (0)2381/436352.
Variety, operettas, cinema – the Kristallpalast saw much over the years. It has provided the backdrop for Enchilada in Hamm since November 2000. Enchiladas, tacos, fajitas – Mexican food fans have tasty treats in store here. Thanks to three bars, however, cocktail lovers are well catered for too.
INFO: Martin-Luther-Str. 31-33, Tel. +49 (0) 2371/436999, www.enchilada.de/hamm
The Kurhaus, a listed monument, is located in the heart of the spa park, surrounded by copses of old trees and ponds. Restaurant & Cafe with summer garden and Kurpark bar are inviting locales for getting away from it all. Old books and stories from and about Hamm can be found in the historical reading corner. Kurhaus Bad Hamm, with its adjacent theatre and concert hall, is Hamm’s no. 1 cultural address!
INFO: Ostenallee 87, Tel. +49 (0)2381/871020, www.kurhaus-bad-hamm.de
This restaurant impresses its diners with stylish furnishings, outstanding service and its creative cuisine, which offers international, Mediterranean, and regional dishes. The right address for every gourmet!
INFO: Wielandstr. 84, Tel. +49 (0)2381/401217, www.wielandstuben.de
This 200-year-old hotel is located in the centre of Hamm. Its quiet ambience with an excellent restaurant and a cosy hotel bar offer guests first-class comfort.
INFO: Südstr. 9-13, Tel. +49 (0)2381/29091, www.hotel-stadt-hamm.de
Situated in the quiet town centre close to the train station, this hotel leaves no wishes unfulfilled with its 142 comfortably furnished rooms, a wellness area with swimming pool and its own restaurant with bar.
INFO: Neue Bahnhofstr. 3, Tel. +49 (0)2381/91920, www.mercure.com
Besides its main building, this hotel in a quiet location comprises a country-style inn and a rectory converted into a Mediterranean villa. A magnificent view of the extensive gardens can be enjoyed from the terrace.
INFO: Alte Soester Str. 28, Tel. +49 (0)2381/980560, www.alte-mark.de
In the midst of nature, situated on the bank of the Lippe, the boathouse has been welcoming guests since 1914. With its 10 comfortable rooms and excellent Chinese restaurant, the hotel is renowned throughout the region today.
INFO: Fährstr. 7, Tel. +49 (0)2381/987650, www.kingsboothaus-hamm.de
On four days, stars of the current national and international jazz scene present a diverse programme comprising a mix of the different variants of modern jazz.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2381/175555, Internet: www.hamm.de/kultur
The open air festival at its finest: every Wednesday, the stage is given over to street theatre, world music or exceptional light shows. The venue alternates between Marktplatz at Pauluskirche and the Kurhausgarten.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2381/175555, www.hamm.de/kultur
Besides major symphony orchestras in Hamm’s two concert halls, the smaller concerts in unusual places, in particular, draw audiences from near and far.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2381/175555, Internet: www.klassiksommer.de