Open monuments in
the city center
Old ropemaker's cottage Schönherr
Program
Sightseeing: Have you seen the Old Schönherr Rope-Makers' House in the East Downtown area yet?
The historic Schönherr Rope-Maker’s House invites you to relax and linger. On Open Monument Day, you can explore our new permanent exhibition on the history of the Rope-Maker’s House at your own pace in the courtyard and inside the building while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea and a slice of cake. In collaboration with various students from the Architecture program at KIT Karlsruhe, starting in September 2026, we will present insights into the use and development of the Seilerhaus, built in 1723. This historic building, dating back to the founding of Karlsruhe, holds a few curiosities in store. Since late 2019, Kulturküche Karlsruhe has been based in the building. With the help of many partners, the collective delights visitors with a weekly lunch service and numerous free cultural and educational programs for all citizens.
Time: 1 :00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., continuously as needed
Meeting place: Old Rope-Maker's Cottage in Schönherr
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Refreshments: Cold and hot beverages and cake
-
The old Schönherr rope-maker's house was built in 1723 and is located in the Downtown East district of Karlsruhe.
Hours: 1 :00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Address: Kaisertrasse 47 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: Public paid parking. Transit stops: Kronenplatz or Durlacher Tor. Bicycle racks in front of the building
Website: www.kulturkueche-karlsruhe.de
-
Tour of the village
Baden Art Association
Program
Führung: Das Gebäude des Badischen Kunstvereins und sein Architekt
Explanation of the building's architecture and history.
Time: 11:00 - 12:00 a.m.
Meeting place: In front of the Badischer Kunstverein building
Realization: Claudia Pohl
Accessibility: not barrier-free
Weather dependency: takes place outdoors, without the possibility of shelter
Refreshments: Yes , drinks in the lobby
-
The Badischer Kunstverein is housed in the building at Waldstraße 3 in Karlsruhe, which was constructed in 1899–1900 by the Grand Ducal General Intendance. The building was built specifically for the Kunstverein “for the general purpose of the visual arts.” In an open architectural competition, the association selected a design by architect Friedrich Ratzel. In 1900, the new building—which still stands today—was inaugurated by Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden and handed over to the Kunstverein for the general purpose of the visual arts.
The exhibition spaces are located on the first floor, as well as in parts of the ground floor and the basement. On the ground floor, two rooms are available for commercial use (café). The Kunstverein’s offices are located on the second floor. During a renovation in 1964, the display cases on the ground floor and the atrium were incorporated into the exhibition space. In 2002, the building underwent a comprehensive renovation. Among other things, the skylight glazing was replaced, the spatial relationships were restored, the surfaces in all rooms were restored, and the columns in the Waldstraße Hall were exposed. On January 26, 2003, the newly opened Badischer Kunstverein was inaugurated with a ceremony. Today, the art association has a total of nearly 1,000 square meters of exhibition space available across three floors. It currently has 1,200 members.
Since 2021, the “Concept and Practice of Art Associations” has been included in the German UNESCO Commission’s national register as an intangible cultural heritage.
Opening hours: 11:00 - 18:00
Address: Waldstraße 3 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Directions: "Europaplatz" or "Marktplatz (Kaiserstraße)" tram stops ; parking lot at Passagehof 11
Website: www.badischer-kunstverein.de
-
To cultivate an appreciation for art and promote the visual arts, art lovers and artists in Karlsruhe founded the Association for the Visual Arts in 1818. Among them were influential citizens such as the painters Carl Kuntz and Carl Ludwig Frommel, the architect Friedrich Weinbrenner, Mayor Wilhelm Christian Griesbach, and the writer and theologian Johann Peter Hebel. Thus, with the founding of the association, civic patronage of the arts emerged alongside courtly and ecclesiastical patronage. The art association’s first exhibition opened on April 12, 1818.
The marketplace
Program
Guided Tour: Friedrich Weinbrenner's Market Square and What Became of It
In the year marking the 200th anniversary of Weinbrenner’s death, this architectural history tour explores the background of the project’s development, the architect’s vision, and how the cohesively designed plaza and street layout was subsequently managed—right up to the controversial changes of recent years.
Time: 11 :00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Meeting place: Pyramid on the market square
Organized by: Dr . Gerhard Kabierske on behalf of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Karlsruher Stadtbild e. V.
Accessibility: completely barrier-free
Weather dependency: takes place outdoors, without the possibility of shelter
-
The market square, aligned with the axis of Karl-Friedrich-Straße, forms the backbone of Karlsruhe’s planned urban expansion under Friedrich Weinbrenner. Over a period of 25 years in the early 19th century, the architect carried out the systematic expansion according to his plans. The complex is regarded not only in the German-speaking world as a major work of Neoclassical urban planning of its time. Even today, the market square—with City Hall, the Protestant City Church, and the Pyramid housing the tomb of the city’s founder, Karl Wilhelm—remains the true center of the city.
Hours: Open to the public
Address: Marktplatz Karlsruhe | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Marktplatz Pyramide (U)" or "Marktplatz Kaiserstraße (U)" stop
-
The Market Square is one of architect Friedrich Weinbrenner's major works.
Protestant City Church Karlsruhe
Program
(1) “Echo of an Order” – SCHLOSSLICHTSPIELE Light Festival at the Evangelical City Church
From building element to church interior, from church interior to city: In this audiovisual spatial installation, Karlsruhe-based media artist Nikolaus Völzow explores Weinbrenner’s connection between architecture and the city and reveals traces of the past within today’s church interior.
The two-part installation can be viewed in its daylight version (on LED screens) starting at 5:00 p.m. At dusk, projections onto the walls and the church ceiling will complement the artwork.
Time: 5 :00 p.m. – approx. 11:00 p.m., every 15 minutes
Meeting place: Entrance to the Evangelical City Church ( )
Conducted by: Nikolaus Völzow
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
(2) Orgelführung für Familien – Audienz bei der Königin
Warum wird die Orgel die „Königin der Instrumente“ genannt? Bei dieser spannenden Führung für Familien werfen kleine und große Entdeckerinnen und Entdecker einen Blick hinter die Kulissen. Wie entsteht der Klang? Wo verstecken sich die vielen Pfeifen? Und was passiert, wenn der Organist eine Taste drückt? Eine Entdeckungstour für Familien mit Kindern, bei der die Orgel mit allen Sinnen erlebt werden kann.
Uhrzeit: 11:45 – 12:15 Uhr
Director of church music: Christian-Markus Raiser
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Kinder: Diese Orgelführung ist speziell für Kinder
(3) Besichtigung der Grablege Weinbrenners
A brief overview of Weinbrenner’s life. Descend the spiral staircase to the lower church: view the sarcophagus of Friedrich Weinbrenner. The tour concludes at the portico.
Time: 12 :00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.; there should be no wait times
Meeting place: Portikus Evangelical City Church, down the stairs to the burial chapel and lower church
Organized by: Christina Clauß & Elke Schmieding, Baden-Württemberg State Property and Construction Office, Karlsruhe Branch
Pre-registration: Yes, by email to Vorzimmer.AmtKA@vbv.bwl.de; the number of participants is limited.
Accessibility: not barrier-free
(4) Orgelkonzert im Rahmen der "Karlsruher Orgelspaziergänge"
The organ tour takes visitors to the two extraordinary instruments at the Evangelical City Church in Karlsruhe: the Rémy-Mahler organ and the Steinmeyer organ, which has just undergone extensive restoration and renovation and can now once again shine with its original sound. The Rémy-Mahler organ captivates with its Alsatian Baroque timbre, distinctive solo voices, and French-influenced sound. The Steinmeyer organ, on the other hand, captivates with its warm, mellow timbre and is particularly well-suited for the interpretation of Romantic organ music. Together, the two instruments form an extraordinary organ landscape that is unique in this form.
Visitors can look forward to a varied program featuring works from different eras that impressively showcase the unique sonic possibilities of both instruments.
To mark the Weinbrenner anniversary, Stadtkirchen organist KMD Christian-Markus Raiser will perform an improvisation based on a recently discovered song composed in honor of the architect.
Time: 4 :00 p.m.
Meeting place: In the church
Conducted by: Christian-Markus Raiser
(5) Orgelführung Steinmeyer-Orgel – Zu Besuch bei der Königin
Nach dem Konzert besteht die Gelegenheit, die große Steinmeyer-Orgel auf der Empore aus nächster Nähe kennenzulernen. Bei der Führung erhalten die Besucherinnen und Besucher spannende Einblicke in Aufbau, Technik und Klang dieses beeindruckenden Instruments. Wie entstehen die unterschiedlichen Klangfarben? Wie arbeiten die vielen Pfeifen, Register und Windladen zusammen? Und was macht eine große symphonische Orgel so besonders? Werfe einen Blick hinter die Kulissen der „Königin der Instrumente“, erlebe den Spieltisch aus nächster Nähe und erfahre Wissenswertes über die Geschichte und die aufwendige Restaurierung der Steinmeyer-Orgel.
Uhrzeit: 16:45 – 17:30 Uhr & 17:45 – 18:30 Uhr
Treffpunkt: Auf der Orgelempore der Stadtkirche
Director of church music: Christian-Markus Raiser
Accessibility: not barrier-free
-
The Protestant City Church on the market square was built in the early 19th century according to plans by Friedrich Weinbrenner. It was heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently rebuilt, with the exterior based on the original plans and the interior designed in a modern style. City architect Friedrich Weinbrenner died 200 years ago. With the audiovisual installation “Echo of an Order,” Nikolaus Völzow pays tribute to Weinbrenner’s integration of architecture and the city.
Hours: 5 :00 p.m. – approx. 11:00 p.m.
Address: Karl-Friedrich-Str. 11 | 76133, Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Marktplatz" streetcar stop
Website: www.stadtkirche-karlsruhe.de & www.schlosslichtspiele.info
-
The Protestant City Church on the market square was built in the early 19th century according to plans by Friedrich Weinbrenner. It was heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently rebuilt, with the exterior based on the original plans and the interior designed in a modern style. City architect Friedrich Weinbrenner died 200 years ago. With the audiovisual installation “Echo of an Order,” Nikolaus Völzow commemorates Weinbrenner’s connection between architecture and the city. To mark the Weinbrenner anniversary, city church organist KMD Christian-Markus Raiser will perform an improvisation based on a recently discovered song composed in honor of the architect.
Pheasant Lodge and Pheasant Garden
Pheasant Lodge in downtown Karlsruhe © ForstBW
Program
Guided Tour of the Fasanenschlösschen and the Fasanengarten
Guided tours with Georg Kabierske, M.A., at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., as well as on request
Time: 10 :00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m., 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m., 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Meeting place: Courtyard of the Fasanenschlösschen
Led by: Georg Kabierske, M.A.
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
-
The Fasanenschlösschen is a combination of a summerhouse and a pheasantry and was built in 1765 by architect Wilhelm Jeremias Müller in the Oriental style popular at the time. To the north lies the Fasanengarten, which features unique architectural elements.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:30
Address: Richard-Willstätter-Allee 2 | 76131 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Kronenplatz" streetcar stop
Website: fbz-karlsruhe.forstbw.de
Fan-shaped tour along historic
mobility infrastructure
Program
City Walk Through the Southwestern and Southeastern Parts of Downtown Karlsruhe
Starting at the market square, the tour first follows the central axis between the castle and the Ettlinger Gate. From Rondellplatz, it proceeds along Erbprinzenstraße and past four fan-shaped streets (Lamm-, Ritter-, Herren-, and Waldstraße) to the castle. Topics covered at various stops along the tour include: historic buildings such as the Weltzien House (Karlstraße 47) and new constructions; sightlines and urban green spaces; the allocation of street space for various modes of transportation; and the quality of the public environment.
Since the city’s founding in 1715, nine south-facing radial streets lined with distinctive corner and circular houses have shaped the cityscape of Karlsruhe, a Baroque planned city. Karl-Friedrich-Straße, also known as Via Triumphalis, serves as the central axis, stretching from the palace through the market square and Rondellplatz to the Ettlinger Gate. Over the past 300 years, the fan-shaped layout—to which Karlsruhe owes its nickname “Fan City”—has remained unchanged, though the use of this historic transportation infrastructure and the development along the radial streets have evolved.
Time: 10 :00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
We’ll start at 10:00 a.m. at the Pyramid / Market Square and, halfway through the walk, we’ll reach the Weltziensche Haus, where Herrenstraße meets Karlstraße. At 11:30 a.m., we’ll arrive at the final destination of our city walk: the castle.
Meeting place: Pyramid on the market square | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Marktplatz Pyramide (U)" or "Marktplatz Kaiserstraße (U)" stop
Led by: Charlotte Kämpf
Registration: Please register in advance by email at charlotte.kaempf@t-online.de are welcome.
Accessibility: completely barrier-free
Weather dependency: takes place outdoors, without the possibility of shelter
-
The tour passes by the buildings along Karl-Friedrichstraße near the market square.
Karlsruhe Energy and Climate Protection Agency (KEK)
Not applicable!
Program
(1) Guided Tour: Sun Meets History: Photovoltaics in a Historic Building
As a climate protection agency, we invite you to visit our photovoltaic system on the listed roof as part of the Open Monument Day. After a brief introduction to the work of the KEK, we will head up to the 5th floor (no elevator available!) to view the photovoltaic system. We show what needs to be considered when installing PV systems on historic buildings. There will be an opportunity to find out more about the advantages of photovoltaics and to ask questions. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to chat over coffee and cookies.
Time: 13:00 - 13:45
We’ll meet at the scheduled start time at the KEK counseling center. After a brief introduction to the KEK’s work, we’ll head straight up to the 5th floor (no elevator!) to take a look at the solar power system. Afterward, there will be an opportunity to chat over coffee and cookies.
Meeting place: KEK Counseling Center at 15 Hebelstraße
Conducted by: Energy consultant from the Karlsruhe Energy and Climate Protection Agency
Accessibility: not barrier-free
Refreshments: Beverages (water, coffee, tea) and cookies
(2) Guided Tour: Heat Meets History: Replacing the Heating System in a Historic Building
On Open Monument Day, we’ll show how to successfully switch from an old oil or gas heating system to a modern, environmentally friendly solution—even in a historic building. Following a keynote presentation, we’ll discuss together what needs to be considered when replacing a heating system in a historic building. We look forward to the discussion!
Time: 15:00 - 15:45
We'll meet at the scheduled start time at the KEK Counseling Center. After a brief introduction to the work of the KEK, we'll get right into the short presentation and discussion session. Drinks and cookies will be provided.
Meeting place: KEK Counseling Center at 15 Hebelstraße
Conducted by: Energy consultant from the Karlsruhe Energy and Climate Protection Agency
Accessibility: not barrier-free
Refreshments: Beverages (water, coffee, tea) and cookies
-
The building is located at 15 Hebelstraße. After the destruction of the war, only the outer wall remained standing. Today, the building serves as the headquarters of the Karlsruhe Energy and Climate Protection Agency, which also houses an advisory center.
Hours: 1 :00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Address: Hebelstraße 15 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: Karlsruhe "Marktplatz (Kaiserstraße or Pyramide)" stop
Website: www.kek-karlsruhe.de
Karlsruhe Main Post Office –
(now the Post Gallery)
Program
Guidance
Guided tour of the grounds and the former main post office
Time: 10 :00 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.
Meeting place: Europaplatz , at the corner of Karlstraße
Realization: Jean-Yves Boraud, stattreisen Karlsruhe e.V.
Accessibility: completely barrier-free
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
-
Mobility, global trade, and connections across continents—that’s what the postal service used to stand for. People were proud of the global network, and this pride was reflected in the building’s facade. However, they also relied on stereotypes that are no longer appropriate today.
Address: Europaplatz at the corner of Karlstraße | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: streetcar stop "Europaplatz"
Website: www.stattreisen-karlsruhe.de
KarlsTour with a visit to the crypt
Program
Experience history, feel the present, and marvel at the future! From a Baroque town to a high-tech city—discover Karlsruhe from new perspectives! The city’s founder, Margrave Karl Wilhelm, dreamed of a modern and progressive residence. Today, 310 years later, Karlsruhe stands as a major city brimming with innovation and creativity. It is also the first and only German UNESCO Creative City in the field of media arts! Our city guides will take you on an exciting journey of discovery through Karlsruhe. Did you know, for example, that Karlsruhe’s fan-shaped layout influenced the cityscape of Washington, D.C.? The KarlsTour is packed with history and stories, plus plenty of funny anecdotes and personal insider tips from our guides. In 2026, the anniversary year honoring the great Karlsruhe architect Friedrich Weinbrenner, the KarlsTour takes you past his neoclassical buildings, which continue to shape the cityscape to this day. Discover how Weinbrenner’s architecture made Karlsruhe unique—and why his legacy lives on in modern urban planning. Want to (re)discover Karlsruhe? It’s easy with the KarlsTour!
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Meeting place: Tourist Information Office on Marktplatz | Kaiserstraße 72–74 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Marktplatz Pyramide (U)" or "Marktplatz Kaiserstraße (U)" stop
Led by: Ursula Lierse (tour guide); second guide to be announced (details to follow)
Registration: Yes , by email touristinfo@karlsruhe-tourismus.de or by phone at +49 721 602997580 or in person at the tourist information office
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
Children's program: not explicitly designed for children, but the tour is also suitable for children
Website: www.karlsruhe-erleben.de
-
In 2026, the anniversary year honoring the great Karlsruhe architect Friedrich Weinbrenner, the KarlsTour takes you past his neoclassical buildings, which continue to shape the cityscape to this day. Discover how Weinbrenner’s architecture has made Karlsruhe unique—and why his legacy lives on in modern urban planning. Weinbrenner’s sarcophagus stands in a niche directly beneath the church entrance.
St. Stephen's Catholic Church
Program
(1) Guided Tour – St. Stephen’s Church – a work by Friedrich Weinbrenner. Right in the heart of the city: an oasis
The tour describes the church’s pastoral and architectural development. It also covers the following aspects: Located in the city center as the main Catholic church, flanked by Friedrichsplatz to the east and Stephansplatz to the west, the church is well integrated into the city’s community through its programs. The Forum St. Stephan will be built here in the coming years. Inside, the church invites visitors to find silence, to celebrate together, and to contemplate the art, which creates connections to the questions of one’s own life.
Time: 15:00 - 16:00
Meeting place: In front of the main entrance at Erbprinzenstraße 16
Implementation: Dr. Annette Bernards
Accessibility: Fully accessible at
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
(2) Organ Concert
A short organ concert.
In 2012, the Klais company completely rebuilt and extended the organ of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. Almost all of the pipe material from the previous organ was reworked and integrated into the concept with new intonation.
Time: 5 :00 p.m.
Meeting place: In the church
Conducted by: Patrick Fritz-Benzing
Accessibility: Fully accessible at
-
Built by Friedrich Weinbrenner in the style of the Pantheon in Rome and consecrated in 1814, St. Stephan is the oldest Catholic church in Karlsruhe and today serves as the parish church of the Catholic parish of Karlsruhe. The octagonal natural-stone building, with its dome resting on the masonry, has undergone several exterior and interior renovations and was rebuilt after its destruction during World War II. The most recent major interior redesign, which reflects the developments of the Second Vatican Council, took place in 2011. The interior is characterized by the art of Emil Sutor, Emil Wachter, and Candace Carter.
Hours: 8 :30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Address: Erbprinzenstraße 14 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Directions: Take the U-Strab to Marktplatz or Europaplatz, then walk along Herrenstraße
Website: www.kath-karlsruhe.de
-
Built by Friedrich Weinbrenner in the style of the Pantheon in Rome and consecrated in 1814, St. Stephen’s is the oldest Catholic church in Karlsruhe and today serves as the parish church of the Catholic parish of Karlsruhe.
Small Church in Karlsruhe
Program
(1) 250 Years of the Kleine Kirche – Intergenerational Day for Families
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Kleine Kirche, families are cordially invited to a colorful, hands-on afternoon. Creative activities, discovery stations, and small events invite you to get to know the oldest church in downtown Karlsruhe in a playful way—a time for discovery, connection, and relaxation. Joining the event are “anecdote collector” Edith Chassein, Martin the church bat, Pastor Claudia Rauch and her team, and photographer Gülay Keskin. With historical photographs, nostalgic images, and creative photo activities, she invites you to rediscover and capture your own personal stories connected to the Kleine Kirche.
Guided tours are available upon request.
Time: 12 :30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Meeting place: Plaza in front of the Kleine Kirche
Organized by: Edith Chassein, Claudia Rauch, and Gülay Keskin
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
Children's program: Yes, the program is designed for families
Catering: Yes , drinks and light snacks
(2) Children’s Tour: Discover the Little Church with Martin the Church Bat—for families with children ages 4 to 8
Join Martin, the church bat, on a discovery tour of the Kleine Kirche. Through play, you’ll explore exciting details of the church interior and solve little puzzles. An interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy, marvel at, and discover.
Time: 14:00 - 14:30
Meeting place: Entrance to the Kleine Kirche
Presented by: Pastor Claudia Rauch with Martin, the mischievous church bat
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
Children's program:Yes, the tour is designed for families with children ages 4–8
Refreshments: Yes , drinks and light snacks (see "Generations Festival" above)
(3) Photo Project with Gülay Keskin: The Little Church in Pictures
Photographer and artist Gülay Keskin invites you to take part in a special photo event. Using historical photographs, mementos, and selected props, she creates personal images that bridge the past and the present. Whether it’s a family photo you’ve brought along, a memento from the Little Church, or a spontaneous snapshot—this photo event invites you to rediscover the Little Church as a personal place of memory and life.
Time: 12 :30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Meeting place: at the Small Church
Organized by: Photographer Gülay Keskin
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Children's Program: The program is also suitable for children accompanied by an adult
Refreshments: Yes , drinks and light snacks (see "Generations Festival" above)
(4) Up High—A Bell Tour with Karlsruhe Bell Expert Dr. h. c. Kurt Kramer
Together with Karlsruhe-based bell expert Dr. h. c. Kurt Kramer, after an introduction, we’ll head up to the belfry of the Kleine Kirche—a place that is not otherwise open to the public. Learn fascinating facts about the history, casting, and sound of the bells, their inscriptions, and their significance for the life of the city and the congregation. This is a rare opportunity to experience the bells up close and gain fascinating insights into a monument that is often hidden from view.
Time: 5 :00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
During times of high visitor traffic, there may be wait times for the bell tower tour, as space there is limited. The number of visitors may also need to be limited. At the same time, an organ tour is taking place in the town church, which visitors can attend if the bell tower tour is too crowded.
Meeting place: Entrance to the Kleine Kirche
Presented by: Dr . h. c. Kurt Kramer
Accessibility: not barrier-free
Refreshments: Yes , drinks and light snacks (see "Generations Festival" above)
-
The Kleine Kirche is the oldest surviving church in downtown Karlsruhe and will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026. It was built in 1776 in a simple Baroque style and has undergone several renovations throughout its history. It was largely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt in its characteristic form in the 1950s. Today, the Kleine Kirche is a vibrant place for worship, culture, and community in the heart of the city.
Opening hours: 12:00 - 16:00
Address: Kaiserstrasse 131 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Directions: "Europaplatz" or "Marktplatz (Kaiserstraße)" tram stops ; parking lot at Passagehof 11
Website: www.citykirche-karlsruhe.de
Museum at the market
Program
(1) Guided Tour: Flower Power – Flowers Indoors and Outdoors
A wide variety of flowers and plants can be admired in the museum near the market in the works of Art Nouveau artists: lilies, poppies, and more. Afterward, our path takes us to the nearby botanical garden, where there are many of these flowers to discover.
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Meeting point: In the museum
Led by: Helene Seifert
Registration: No advance registration required, but space is limited
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather dependency: takes place outdoors, without the possibility of shelter
(2) Beautiful Flowers – We Look for Them in the Museum and in the Garden
There are many decorative motifs on the precious objects in the museum. Most of them are flowers and plant leaves with distinctive shapes or colors. We’ll look for them in the museum and during a short walk through the botanical garden.
Time: 12 :00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meeting point: In the museum
Led by: Helene Seifert
Registration: No advance registration required, but space is limited
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather dependency: takes place outdoors, without the possibility of shelter
(3) Like the Sun's Rays – The Castle and the Castle Square
Karlsruhe Palace was built over 300 years ago. It was a symbol of an absolutist ruler, but it has also undergone changes over time. The Palace Square, with its statues of gods, is part of this tour. A walking tour brings the Baroque era back to life a little.
Time: 14:00 - 15:00
Meeting point: In the museum
Led by: Helene Seifert
Registration: No advance registration required, but space is limited
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather dependency: takes place outdoors, without the possibility of shelter
-
On the first floor of the “Museum beim Markt,” the history of design is brought to life: Across approximately 900 square meters, outstanding objects sharpen our appreciation for the aesthetics of everyday life and illustrate how art, craftsmanship, and design go hand in hand. The tour begins with applied art around 1900—the Art Nouveau period—and continues through to the present day. On display are exquisite glassworks, fine furniture, fashion classics, and jewelry. While the upper floor thus showcases part of the Badisches Landesmuseum’s fascinating collection, the ground floor—freely accessible and free of charge—serves as an open space for everyone: for people who are curious about the history, present, and future of their museum, or who simply want to meet and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting. A newly designed museum shop, with its diverse assortment, also invites visitors to browse and discover.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Address: Karl-Friedrich-Straße 6 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Marktplatz/Kaiserstraße" U-Strab stop
Website: www.landesmuseum.de
Prince Max Palace
Program
Guided tour - From banker's palace to cultural center. Building and house history of the Prinz-Max-Palais
The tour focuses on the eventful history of the Prinz-Max-Palais and the architectural features of the building.
Time: 11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Meeting point: courtyard entrance to the Prinz-Max-Palais, Karlstraße 10
Realization: Judith Göhre M.A.
Accessibility: completely barrier-free
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
Catering: The Palais Max Museum Café is open during the museum's hours of operation.
-
The Schmieder Palace, later known as the Prinz-Max-Palace, was built between 1881 and 1884 by Josef Durm for the banker August Schmieder. It was acquired in 1899 by Prince Max of Baden and rebuilt after 1944 with a modified interior. From 1951 to 1969, it served as the seat of the Federal Constitutional Court. Between 1978 and 1981, the interior was redesigned; among other things, the youth library was installed on the ground floor and the City Museum on the upper floor, and the garden area with a fountain and fencing was constructed.
Opening hours: 11:00 - 18:00
Address: City Museum in the Prinz-Max-Palais, Karlstraße 10 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Europaplatz" tram stop ; parking (if available) on Karlstraße
Website: stadtgeschichte.karlsruhe.de
Karlsruhe City Hall Tower
Program
(1) Guided tour of the City Hall Tower
The tour explains the history and various functions of the City Hall tower.
Time: 11 :00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Meeting place: Gate at the side entrance of City Hall on Hebelstraße
Voranmeldung: leider bereits ausgebucht
Led by: Dr . Volker Steck
Accessibility: not barrier-free
(2) Tour of the upper floor of the City Hall Tower
The upper floor is open to the public. An expert will be on hand to provide explanations about the detention cell.
Time: 12 :30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. & 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Meeting place: Gate at the side entrance of City Hall on Hebelstraße
Advance Registration: Advance registration is required; please specify your preferred time at heichel@karlsruhe-event.de. A maximum of 15 people are allowed per tour, and spots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive a confirmation; we cannot maintain a waiting list.
Led by: Dr . Volker Steck
Accessibility: not barrier-free
-
Completed in 1824, the tower was part of the Karlsruhe City Hall on Marktplatz, built according to plans by Friedrich Weinbrenner. Within the overall layout of the Marktplatz, it serves as a counterpart to the bell tower of the Evangelical City Church. The tower, which is approximately 51 meters high, is crowned by a statue of Mercury, the god of commerce. In the 19th century, the tower served as a prison; later, it was used as a detention room for schoolchildren. Starting in 1898, it also housed a fire station for several years. The original stucco was removed around 1900, so that today the sandstone walls are exposed. Unlike the City Hall building, which burned to the ground, the tower survived the air raids of World War II without major damage.
Hours: Open only for guided tours
Address: Karl-Friedrich-Straße 10 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: "Marktplatz" streetcar stop
-
The town hall was built according to plans by Friedrich Weinbrenner.
Karlsruhe State Art Gallery
Program
Guided Tour: The State Art Museum and Its Buildings at the Botanical Garden
A walk through the Botanical Garden provides fascinating information about the history of the Kunsthalle buildings and their structural development.
The tours start at the Junge Kunsthalle building and then move on to the main building and the orangery. Due to the current renovation work, the main building and the orangery cannot be viewed from the inside.
Time: 14:00 - 15:00 & 16:00 - 17:00
Meeting point: Junge Kunsthalle (Hans-Thoma-Straße 4, 76133 Karlsruhe)
Realization: Silvia Stetter-Kalbus (Building Commissioner of the Staatliche Kunsthalle)
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
Weather-dependent: takes place outdoors, with the option of sheltering under cover
Children's Program: There is no special children's program for Open Monument Day. However, the "Zeichenlabor" will be open at the Junge Kunsthalle on September 13, and the "Open Space" workshop invites children and teens to engage in creative drawing and experiment with various drawing techniques between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
-
The Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe is one of the oldest museum buildings in Germany. Designed in the 19th century, it has largely retained its original design. The ongoing architectural development continues a history of construction spanning over 100 years. In addition to the main building, the Kunsthalle’s architectural complex includes the Orangerie and the Junge Kunsthalle.
Opening hours: 10:00 - 18:00
Address: Hans-Thoma-Straße 2–6 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: streetcar stops "Europaplatz", "Marktplatz"
Website: www.kunsthalle-karlsruhe.de
Karlsruhe City Archive
Program
(1) Live restoration of archival materials
How are tears in paper repaired? What pests threaten archival materials? And how can precious cultural heritage be protected in the long term? Restorers Ariane Beute and Sabine Klein from the Cultural Affairs Office’s restoration workshop and bookbinding studio will answer these and other questions drawn from their daily work in exciting live demonstrations.
Time: 10 :00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., open all day
Meeting point: Reading room on the 2nd floor
Led by: Ariane Beute and Sabine Klein
Accessibility: Fully accessible
(2) Book Flea Market and Photo Exhibition
Small Book Flea Market & Photo Exhibition: Karlsruhe Buildings from the City Photo Archive.
Time: 10 :00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., open all day
Meeting point: Reading room on the 2nd floor
Organized by: Archive staff / Volunteers
Accessibility: completely barrier-free
Refreshments: Coffee and cake available on a donation basis, while supplies last
(3) Guided Tour: From the Pawnshop to the City Archives
The tour explains the eventful history of one of the few buildings that survived the Old Town renovation of the “Dörfle” and offers exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the city archives that are otherwise off-limits to visitors.
Time: 10 :00 a.m. – approx. 12:00 p.m.
Meeting point: Entrance area in the inner courtyard of the Carl Hofer School. In case of bad weather: Foyer of the city archive
Led by: Dr . Katrin Dort, Director of the City Archives & Historical Museums
Accessibility: partially accessible
(4) Guided Tour
With exclusive glimpses behind the scenes.
Time: 13:00 - 14:00 & 15:00 - 16:00
Meeting point: Entrance area in the inner courtyard of the Carl Hofer School. In case of bad weather: Foyer of the city archive
Led by: Annika Stehle, M.A., Certified Archivist (FH) (1:00 p.m.), Dr. Katrin Dort (3:00 p.m.)
Accessibility: partially accessible
(5) Interactive children's tour: "Animals in the Archives: Detectives in the Paper Jungle"
There’s a lot going on in the archives! It’s not just people who dive into history here—animals are scurrying and fluttering around, too. First, you’ll find out what treasures are hidden in the archives—and who even likes to eat them. And then things get really exciting: Armed with flashlights, we’ll head into the dark. Help us find the lost bat in the storage room. (Recommended age: 6–10 years)
Time: 2 :00 p.m. – approx. 2:45 p.m.
Meeting point: Reading room on the 2nd floor
Anmeldung: Anmeldungen (max. 12 Personen) bis Freitag, 11. September 2026, 16:00 Uhr unter Angabe von Vor- und Nachname sowie Alter des Kindes bitte per E-Mail an: archiv@kultur.karlsruhe.de. Im Falle einer Überbuchung wird eine Warteliste angelegt und ggf. eine freie Mitarbeiterin für eine zweite etwas zeitversetzte Veranstaltung engagiert.
Led by: Eric Wychlacz, M.A., Certified Archivist (University of Applied Sciences)
Accessibility: partially barrier-free
-
The Karlsruhe City Archive moved into the building at Markgrafenstraße 29 in 1990. The listed building was built in 1906 as a municipal pawnshop and today houses the "memory of the city".
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:30
Address: Markgrafenstraße 29 | 76133 Karlsruhe
Accessibility: Tram stop "Kronenplatz"
-
The image film of the Karlsruhe City Archive
Guided tour of the Karlsruhe City Archive
City Tour – Karl Drais
Program
City Tour: Karl Drais—the Inventor of the Walking Machine—From His Birthplace to the House Where He Died
In Mannheim and Karlsruhe, Drais laid the foundation for two-wheeled mobility. On a quick tour through Drais’s life story and the key landmarks in Karlsruhe, a real-life walking machine is, of course, a must-see—weather permitting.
The draisine, or walking machine, is a single-track, human-powered vehicle without pedals that is considered the precursor to the modern bicycle. It was introduced by the Baden-based inventor Karl von Drais in 1817, and a patent application was filed in 1818 (Baden privilege of January 12, 1818, and French patent of February 17, 1818).
Time: 15:00 - 15:45
Meeting point: Karl Friedrich Monument on Schlossplatz
Accessibility: "Marktplatz" streetcar stop
Conducted by: Martin Hauge
Accessibility: completely barrier-free
Weather dependency: takes place outdoors, without the possibility of shelter
Website: www.stattreisen-karlsruhe.de