How long does the Open Walk last?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes and offers a compact, intense walk through two Manifesta locations in Gelsenkirchen.

Is participation free?

Yes, the Open Walk is free of charge. There is no ticket price.

Do you need to register?

Yes, registration is required for the Open Walk. The group size is limited to a maximum of 16 participants.

In what language will the tour be held?

This event will be held in English. According to the program, there are also English-language walks for some dates.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is St. Bonifatius – Ferdane Satır Teegarten, Cranger Straße 338 in Gelsenkirchen.

Is the tour accessible?

The starting point is wheelchair accessible and has a ramp. However, the restrooms there are not wheelchair accessible.

A free art walk opens up Gelsenkirchen in a refreshingly lively way

Name: Manifesta 16 Ruhr: Open Walk (English)
Start: 2026-09-02T18:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-02T19:30:00+02:00
Location: St. Bonifatius – Ferdane Satır Teegarten

Join the Manifesta 16 Ruhr Discovery Tour in Gelsenkirchen

The Open Walk to Manifesta 16 Ruhr connects art, community, and local history for a unique discovery experience. On September 2, 2026, the guided city tour will be conducted in English from St. Bonifatius – Ferdane Satır Teegarten to Thomaskirche – Hava Güleç Wohnzimmer, making the biennial in the Ruhr area immediately tangible.

A Walk Between Art and Community History

This tour opens the view to the creative repurposing of former church spaces in the Ruhr area. Participants will discover how sacred places have transformed into vibrant meeting spaces where contemporary art, social exchange, and cultural heritage come together.

St. Bonifatius as Starting Point

The meeting point is the Ferdane Satır Teegarten at St. Bonifatius Church in Erle. The post-war church, built in 1963, has been redesigned for Manifesta 16 Ruhr and symbolizes the transition from church spaces to open places for dialogue. The location, with its raised beds and tea garden, offers an atmosphere that invites lingering.

Dialogue, Community, and New Perspectives

The walk will be led by an interdisciplinary mediation team and is aimed at individuals. Conversations about artworks, neighborhood development, and the role of former churches in the Ruhr area will arise within the group. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is limited to a maximum of 16 participants, creating an intense and personal guiding experience.

Thomaskirche – Hava Güleç Wohnzimmer as Destination

At the destination, another location of the biennial unfolds, where art and everyday culture are closely connected. The combination of route, narrative, and spatial experience makes the Open Walk a cultural enrichment for everyone who wants to experience Gelsenkirchen anew as part of Manifesta 16 Ruhr.

Conclusion: This Open Walk reveals the biennial in a familiar light: informative, atmospheric, and historically engaging. Anyone wanting to experience art in urban space and discover the Ruhr area from a new perspective should register early and not miss this free tour.

Manifesta 16 Ruhr Open Walk: Discover Gelsenkirchen with New Eyes

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About this Event

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Join the Manifesta 16 Ruhr Discovery Tour in Gelsenkirchen

A Walk Between Art and Community History

St. Bonifatius as Starting Point

Dialogue, Community, and New Perspectives

Thomaskirche – Hava Güleç Wohnzimmer as Destination

Official Channels of Manifesta 16 Ruhr:

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