HELLWEG – ein LICHTWEG is a modular, constantly expanding art project in the Hellweg region. It has been bringing together works of light art in the public space, both completed and in the making, to form an identity-creating whole since its establishment in 2002.
Under the overall artistic direction of Matthias Wagner K and in partnerships with cities and municipalities of the Hellweg region, the Centre for International Light Art Unna and invited guest curators, it has realised and projected new works of light art by nationally and internationally renowned artists every year since then. These artworks can be experienced only 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, tailored to personal requests and interests, provide guidance through the Hellweg region and help visitors plan their cultural days out.
We wish you an enjoyable tour.
Nowadays, the Lindenbrauerei, where the tradition-steeped Linden-Adler-Pils was brewed between 1852 and 1979, is a meeting-place for art and culture. The former brewery is now one of a total of 25 anchor points along the ‘Route der Industriekultur’.
The Centre for International Light Art Unna was opened in the former cold storage cellars in 2001. This is the world’s first and only museum solely dedicated to light art.
INFO: Lindenplatz 1, Tel. +49 (0)2303/103770, www.lichtkunst-unna.de
Above ground, you will find the Zentrum für Information und Bildung (zib), comprising i-point, culture area, archive, MediaArtSpace, municipal library, adult education college and self-learning centre.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2303/103777, www.unna.de
The Lindenbrauerei culture and communication centre and the Theater Narrenschiff are next door.
INFO: Rio Reiser Weg 1,
Tel. +49 (0)2303/251120, www.lindenbrauerei.de
Tel. +49 (0)2303/770505, www.theater-narrenschiff.de
Exhibits about Unna’s town history are predominantly on show in the museum in the ‘castle’. Appealing temporary exhibitions are held at various times of the year. The exhibition ‘Der Goldschatz von Unna’ (Unna’s Gold) is a highlight. Opening hours: Weds. and Fri. 10-12 noon, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs. 3 p.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., Sun. and holiday 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
INFO: Burgstr. 8, Tel. +49 (0)2303/256445, www.unna.de
Unna’s Old Town has a host of interesting sights to see. The tour takes visitors on a journey through the town’s lively history and explores 26 historical points in Unna. 15 different themed tours for every taste are additionally on offer. Ask about tour start times.
INFO: Tel: +49 (0)2303/103777 oder 770345, www.unna.de und www.hansetourist.de
The Nicolai quarter, situated between the town’s church and wall, is one of Unna’s most beautiful places. A walk through the former artists’ quarter, taking in the International Library of Women Composers in the Philipp Nicolaihaus, the Westfälisches Literaturbüro in Unna e.V., +49 (0)2303/ 963850, www.wlb.de, the Wolfgang Buhre Stiftung, featuring galleries, pubs, studios and shops, is not to be missed.
INFO: Nicolaistr. 3, Güldener Trog, Tel: +49 (0)2303/103777, www.unna.de
The evangelical, Gothic, three-naved hall church (built between 1322 and 1479) is home to numerous sacred art treasures from various eras.
TIP: Climb up the tower and enjoy a wonderful view of the town from a height of 50 metres.
INFO: Kirchplatz, Tel. +49 (0)2303/288115, www.unnakirche.de
At the entrance to the Unna-Königsborn spa park, visitors will find the 250-year-old Friedrichsborn complex, consisting of a former wind pumping works with custodian’s shed of the former Königsborn saltworks. The Travados children's circus and the Youth Art School are likewise at home in the spa park.
INFO: Circus Travados, Kurpark 10, Tel. +49 (0)2303/68586, www.travados.net
In direct proximity to the Lindenbrauerei, artists Frauke and Dietmar Nowodworski have created a world of their own. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are on show in their studio. Opening hours: currently by appointment only.
INFO: Massener Str. 24, Tel. +49 (0)2303/918480, www.nowo-art.de
The foundation, named after the highly regarded Constructivist, exhibits in his former studio in the Alte Heide school. Its ambitious programme includes monographic shows on the artist and other temporary exhibitions. Opening hours: Weds., Sat. and Sun. 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and by appointment
INFO: Alte Heide-Schule, Hammer Straße 175, Tel. +49 (0)2303/63038
Painter, sculptor, draughtsman and graphic artist Ernst Oldenburg used the former school building as his residence and workplace since the 1960s. Visitors will find a comprehensive monographic exhibition on the artist’s final three creative decades.
INFO: Am Loerweg 1, Tel. +49 (0)2303/4592, www.oldenburg-museum.de
Exhibitions of the art of contemporary artists in the appealing setting of an old mill. Opening hours: by appointment.
INFO: Mühlenstr. 4C, Tel. +49 (0)2303/21828, www.kunstverein-unna.de
How about a coffee break in an extraordinary setting? Here you will be regaled with home-baked cake and lunch menus of the day.
Opening hours: Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. 12 noon-6 p.m.
INFO: Massener Str. 17, Tel. +49 (0)2303/920617
Situated in the picturesque Nicolai quarter, the two-storey restaurant conveys the Spanish flair for living with delicious Spanish food and wine. Opening hours: Tues.-Sun. from 5 p.m.
INFO: Güldener Trog 5, Tel. +49 (0)2303/537576, www.tapas-unna.de
Ein wunderschönes Landhaus mit exklusivem Ambiente. Hier lässt sich feiern, tagen und dinieren. Wer sich bei internationaler Küche mit regionalen Produkten verwöhnen lassen will, ist hier richtig. Öffnungszeiten: Mo-Sa ab 17 Uhr
INFO: Alleestr. 1, Tel. +49 (0)2303/49372, www.landhausententeich-unna.de
Gourmet shopping in an extraordinary setting: great wines, delicious antipasti and things that make life more beautiful.
Opening hours: Mon.-Weds. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Thurs.-Fri. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
INFO: Flügelstr. 9 / Marcusgasse, Tel. +49 (0)2303/592739, www.refugio-unna.de
A harmonious blend of restaurant, bar, lounge and trendy place to meet on the Breitenbach site.
Opening hours: Weds. and Thurs. 6 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. on request
There is a beer garden in the summer.
INFO: Hellweg 31-33, Tel. +49 (0)172 5347111, +49 (0)2303 258735, www.breitenbach-unna.de
Das anheimelnde Fachwerkhaus in einem der schönsten Altstadtviertel Unnas bietet ein attraktives Ambiente mit klassischer Küche auf Spitzenniveau. Ebenfalls dazu gehört das alte Brauhaus, das neue Anno 1820, die urige Kneipe in Unna. Öffnungszeiten: Di-Sa ab 17 Uhr (Anno 1820: Di-Sa ab 18 Uhr)
INFO: Morgenstr. 15, Tel. +49 (0)2303/539886, www.morgentor.de
Guests will take away fond memories of good cuisine, large comfortable rooms and attentive service. The establishment is centrally located between the town hall and railway station and right by the pedestrian zone.
INFO: Bahnhofstr. 49, Tel. +49 (0)2303/9200, www.kathrinenhof.ringhotels.de
Cosy and inviting, idyllically situated in the heart of nature. The individually decorated rooms in the manor house, servants’ quarters and dependency are perfect for relaxing and feeling at ease.
INFO: Hammer Str., Tel. +49 (0)2303/968660, www.hotel-gut-hoeing.de
Sehr schönes Hotel in ruhiger, zentraler Lage. Der kleine Wellnessbereich, das Restaurant, Cocktailbar und Kegelbahn gehören zu den angenehmen Extras des Hauses.
INFO: Gesellschaftsstr. 10, Tel. +49 (0)2303/22022, www.hotel-kraka.de
Cultural activities on streets and squares in the summer months, outdoors and free of charge.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2303/103777, www.unna.de
International crime novel festival, with more than 100 national and international crime authors presenting exciting stories at unusual locations around the Hellweg.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2303/ 103720 und 963850, www.mordamhellweg.de
Traditional Italian festival of lights. Around 100,000 coloured lightbulbs transform the historical Old Town into one big glittering sea of lights.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2303/968050, www.stadthalle-unna.de
Cello concerts at locations along the Hellweg.
INFO: Tel. +49 (0)2303/303422, www.celloherbst.de