27 DEC 2020 · The Bremen Art Museum is very popular as well as renowned due to its diverse exhibitions. It is the only museum in Germany featuring an extensive art collection from the 14th to the 21st century that is still privately owned. Senator Hieronymus Klugkist in collaboration with 34 merchants interested in art founded the Bremen artist association in 1824 with the goal to “expand and educate the sense for beautiful things”, whereas they wanted to limit it to educational art. Initially there were only 50 members, but later on the numbers went up to 575 in three years. Today the art association numbers 7500 members.After pouring the foundation in July of 1847, due to the assistance from numerous “donations” the association was able to open the art gallery designed and constructed by Lüder Rutenberg on May 1, 1849. In 1902, Albert Dunkel (interior) and Eduard Gildemeister (monumental sandstone-facade) completed the expansion in approx. 2 years.Due to the fear of air attacks, the art gallery was temporarily closed during the World War II. The paintings were stored in the cellar, which had been converted to a bunker. During the night of September 5, 1942 the art gallery was hit by a firebomb, which destroyed the staircase and six exhibition halls in addition to the painting by Emanuel Leutze – Washington’s Passage over the Delaware. American troops took over the Amerika-Haus (American House) in the art gallery in 1947/48 and occupied the “Kupferstichkabinett “ (prints and drawing museum) and the director’s office and therefore it was not easy for the museum to resume operation. At the art association’s 125th anniversary in 1948, 10 rooms on the upper floor were returned to the public, at the end of 1951, all rooms on the upper floor were ready for use.Between 1996 and 1998 the major renovation of the art gallery was resumed, thanks to private donors (3 million German Marks) who donated about a half of total costs. The City of Bremen and the “Stiftung Wohnliche Stadt “ ( liveable city foundation) financed the remaining amount. The exhibition halls were in poor condition, the lighting did not meet the requirements and the climate values did not meet the international standard.The art gallery was upgraded in the summer of 2011, expanded by two wings, and was reopened after 2 years of renovations. Most definitely worth a visit! Photo Kunsthalle-HB 20110824 img-01 by Verograph is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

27 DEC 2020 · The “Schnorr” district was first mentioned in the 13th century. At the same time a Franciscan monastery was constructed at the edge of the “Schnorr” district of which only the monastery church has been preserved.The oldest preserved buildings at the “Schnorr” are the Haus Schnoor 15 (Brasilhaus) from 1402 and das Packhaus Schnoor 2 from 1401. Some of the buildings, such as the “Amtsfischerhaus” consist of façades only, which were originally located elsewhere.Many of the street names are associated with the former use, for example the building at the Stavendamm (Stave is Low German dialect for “room”), the first public bathhouse which also offered an opportunity for other forms of self-enjoyment. Legend has it that the Bishop of Bremen secretly patronised the bathhouse via an underground tunnel. The tunnel allegedly ended at the “Schifferhaus”.Originally, only the river fishermen who profited from the Weser-River’s side arm (Balge), which flowed through the district resided at the “Schnorr”. In the medieval times the Balge was the main stream of Bremen, but the Weser-River, a side arm during those times, gained more and more importance. The last stream was covered in the 19th century. Now only the street names on the boards imbedded in the ground are reminiscent of the Balge. A memorial of Jürgen Heinrich Keberle (1835 – 1909) who was known only as “Heini Holtenbeen” due to his limp, is also located at the “Schnoor”. He became an original of Bremen due to his quick and humorous wit.At the beginning of the 20th century the “Schnoor” became a poverty stricken district due to its allies and small properties. For the most part, the “Schnoor” was not affected by the Second World War.In 2005 an antique museum opened at the “Schnoor”. The former “Packhaus” is now used for theatre performances. The “Travestietheater” founded in 1992 and under new management since 2009, is now used for Teatro Magico as an event theatre.This part of Bremen is one of the main attractions due to its well-preserved and cohesive construction from the 15th to the 19th century. Photo The Schnoor District by Tom Bastin is licensed under CC BY 2.0

27 DEC 2020 · „Die Glocke“ (the bell) is a renowned Bremen concert hall, which was built at the Domsheide next to the Bremen Dome. In the 15th century the building was used for consultations regarding the dome capital and after 1648 it was also used for Supreme Court operations.The new octagon shaped building was used as a secondary school (formerly higher education), for court proceedings and deputation sessions as well as file storage. In 1857 the building changed ownership to the artist association. Almost everyone was anyone held a memebership. In 1869 the halls in the “Glocke” were renovated and in 1877 the natural science collection gifted to the state by the “Gesellschaft Museum” (museum society) was stored here until it was transferred to the North-West Trade and Industry Exhibition in 1890.On January 26, 1915 the “Glocke” suffered significant damages from a fire. Between 1926 and 1928 the new “Glocke” was rebuilt and concert halls as well as a restaurant were added under the construction management of architect Walter Görig.Until 1959, after the Second World War damages had been repaired, the “Glocke” was used as club space by the occupying troops.The “Glocke’s” halls and the foyer are designed in Art Deco Style. The halls and the foyer are used for concerts, song evenings, lectures, smaller congresses, readings, banquettes and events. The “Große Saal” (great hall) has a capacity of 1400 seats; the Kleine Saal (small hall) features 430 seats.Due to its excellent acoustics, Herbert von Karajan nominated the “Glocke” to one of the best three concert halls in Europe. Magarat Price stated: “For singers, the Glocke is the best hall in the world.“ Photo DieGlocke-01 by Jürgen Howaldt is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

27 DEC 2020 · Bishop Willehald built first wooden dome in Bremen in 789, one week before he died. Historian Adam of Bremen once stated it was of “Von wunderbarer Schönheit“ (incredible beauty). However, it was totally destroyed between 792 – 799 and in 805 the first sandstone dome replaced it. The cathedral primarily built of sandstone features a triple-nave pillar basilica with two crypts and hailed from the 11th century. Chapel extensions and dual towers facades were added in the 13th century.On January 27, 1638 the dilapidated South tower of the dome collapsed and buried two small houses, which were located next to it. 8 people died in that accident. The council writer Metje who walked out to the street that very moment, describes the incident with the following words. “as soon as I walked out of the door, I heard rumbling and breaking as if someone broke a thousand wooden rails at one time. I look up at the tower, and I thought my heart would stop! I long crack from top to bottom, and while I’m still looking at it, it became wider and the roof disappeared into the tower – than the walls began to collapse!”Eight years later, another accident occurred: On February 1656, the North tower burnt down after being struck by lightning. The South tower had not been rebuilt at this time.In the 1880’s there appeared plans for the new construction of the dome. Those were supported by Franz Ernst Schütte and financed by the Bremen citizens. In 1943, during an air attack by allied forces in the World War II, the dome was hit by firebombs. Only one church window was destroyed. In March of 1945 a bomb exploded on the North-side of the dome, which resulted in large parts of the vaults collapsing and the building was put in danger of collapsing. By 1950 the damaged vaults had been restored.It has been an exhibition site for the items that were recovered by archaeological diggings from 1973 to 1984. From time to time some artefacts by the Bremen Catholic Church from past centuries are also displayed. The museum was expanded and financed by the Bremer Dome Foundation e.V. in 1995. Medieval murals, which are the most well-preserved in Bremen and were probably painted right before the altar dedication in 1411 were discovered by accident.The regular guided tours of the dome take place every Wednesday and on the 1st Sunday of every month at 03:00PM. Reservations are not required. Photo St.-Petri-Dom Bremen by larsjuh is licensed under CC BY 2.0

27 DEC 2020 · In 1922-1924 Ludwig Roselius built the Bremen – Amerika – Bank with architects Eduard Scotland and Alfred Runge. The bank was headquartered in two renovated warehouses. Today the building is the archive and administration for Böttcherstraße GmbH, the film-music-theatre Atlantis as well as other offices and stores. The carillon, for which this building is mostly known, was dedicated in May of 1934. It consisted of 30 Meißener Porcelain bells which were blue on the outside with gold-plated insides.The second carillon was installed in 1954, after 23 bells were destroyed during the World War II. The new carillon with the new white bells was installed in the old copper setting which could be restored to its original form.During a performance in 1960 one of the bells disconnected and fell on the floor. And even though no one was hurt in this incident, not a single porcelain bell could have been restored. During this time it was almost impossible to order another “Meißener” bell and the city had to wait several years for a replacement. Once it arrived, unfortunately it did not match the rest sound-wise.Four different tunes were played three times a day: “Auf Matrosen, die Anker gelichtet” (get up sailors and lift the anchors) – Über Bremen fiel ein Regen,(rain over Bremen) Wiegenlied an der Küste (cradle song on the coast) and An der Weser, (at the Weser), which is the Weser-River song. The composer Ludwig Roselius was related to the coffee merchant by the same name. One year after shutting the carillon down and performing extensive restoration work the carillon resumed operation in 1991. This third carillon, by Turmuhrenbau Ferner (tower clock manufacturer) in Meißen, was computer supported and could be programmed through a keyboard. In the beginning of 2009 a new electronic control system (Turmuhrenbau Ferner) was installed, which enables the operation of the carillon Glockenspiel via remote control and it can be connected to musical instruments via radio to store new tunes. The performances of the carillon des Glockenspiels are scheduled as follows: (the carillon automatically shuts down during freezing temperatures):January 1st – March 31st at 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 06:00 PMApril 1st –December 31st every full hour between 12:00 PM and 06:00 PM Photo Böttcherstraße4 by -Xocolatl is licensed under public domain

27 DEC 2020 · Let’s go to one of the most popular streets in Bremen, which was placed under monumental protection in 1973. This street is one of the greatest sites in Bremen and it houses the Böttcherstraße Museums, art workshops, gastronomy, retail stores and a hotel. The Bremen Sparkasse owns most buildings in the Böttcherstraße.Majority of the buildings here were constructed between 1922 and 1931. Bremen merchant Ludwig Roselius contracted Bernhard Hoetger, a famous craftsman to take over the artistic design. The 100 metres long street and its buildings are an example of expressionist architecture.Böttcherstraße’s history dates back to the medieval time. It connected the Marktplatz and the Weser-River. In these times, Böttcher,(coopers) Kimker, Fass – und Zubermacher (barrel- and tub makers) lived there. The harbour was moved in the 19th century, and therefore Böttcherstraße lost its importance.In 1921 today’s Roselius Haus was converted to a museum. Numerous parts of the Böttcherstraße were destroyed in 1944. For the most part, by 1954 the facades were restored to their former condition again.In 1979 Roselius jun. sold the “Kaffee HAG” company and the Böttcherstraße to General Foods, but repurchased it in 1981. The street was then privately owned.Sparkasse Bremen purchased Böttcherstraße including its buildings (except for the Haus Atlantis) in 1989 and finalised all restoration work in 1999.- The “Robinson-Crusoe-Haus” was the last house built on the street in 1931. It was used by Club Bremen until 1944. Visitors can follow its history on carved wooden boards in the stairwell today.- The “Haus der Sieben Faulen” (house of seven lazy guys) was built between 1924 and 1927 and served as a business office for the German Work Federation. - The “Haus St. Petrus” was built by Eduard Scotland and Alfred Runge between 1923 and 1927 and served gastronomy purposes. The restaurant “Ständige Vertretung im Flett” is still located there today. Photo Böttcherstraße Bremen Juli 2009 PD 028 by Bin im Garten is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

27 DEC 2020 · The building located at the Marktplatz is the Bremer trade community, the former guild and cost house for merchants; it has been the headquarters for the Bremen trade registry since 1849.The “Schütting" has been under monumental protection since 1973From 1537 to 1538 the merchants of Bremen commissioned a new project that was to be executed in a delicate Flemish Renaissance style. The façade facing the Marktplatz was modified several times during the 18th century, and in 1818 the entrance which was originally located at the left front of the building was replaced by a portal in the centre. The stairwell gable on the West side and the East gable created by a Bremen stonemason have been preserved. The main portal was inscribed with the Low German phrase in 1899:“Buten un binnen – wagen un winnen“This motto came from Mayor Otto Gildemeister and was meant to raise the spirits of Bremen merchants and inspire them.October 6, 1944 the building and its entire valuable interior completely burnt down. However, in 1951 operation already was already able to proceed on the ground floor of the trade registry again. In 1956 the “Schütting” was rebuilt but the roof dormers facing the Marktplatz were never replaced.The name “Schütting“ has several meanings:- In the mountains (Norway) a merchant house providing warmth and protection during the winter is called "Scatting“. In Low German the phrase would correspond to schütten = schützen (protecting)- Another meaning is a house where the money for the guild was consolidated. “zusammengeschüttet“ .- Yet another meaning could be derived from the word “Schossen” for collecting taxes.In 1605, a city Schütting was built in Oldenburg and today they still have a street called “Schüttingstraße“.After the renovation, the rebuilding process for the facilities on the second floor resumed for the next five years. In 2009 the roof dormers were rebuilt and the façade and the copper roof renovated. The State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments honoured the “Johan Osmers“ company for the restoration of the Schütting.The Club of Bremen, which is the oldest social club in Germany at 200 years, is located on the lower level of the Schütting. Photo Der Schütting by Wilhelmine Wulff  is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

27 DEC 2020 · Just a stone’s throw away from the Bremen city hall is the “Bremer Roland”, which was built in 1404 and placed under monumental protection in 1973 and declared as World Cultural Heritage together with the Bremen city hall. The statue measures 5,47 metres in height and stands on a 60 cm high base, it is supported by a beam in the back, which is topped by an exquisite canopy executed in Gothic style. The entire statue reaches a height of 10.21 metres and appears to be the largest freestanding figurative statue from the medieval age.Roland represents the emperor, he declares and guarantees the market rights and freedom which the city was granted. This is also expressed in the imprint of the sign (which however, was renewed in 1512):„I announce public freedom – which Karl and other Counts have bestowed on this location – and for that; I advise you to be grateful to God“Roland’s predecessor was made of wood and he was knocked over and burnt by archbishop Albert II’s warriors in the night of the 28th and 29th of May 1366. The current Roland was built by the stone masons Claws Zeelleyher und Jacob Olde in 1404, prior the construction of the City Hall. In 1811 Roland was in passing danger of being demolished, because a new “Marktplatz” (farmer’s market place) was in the planning stages, however, due to the demise of the French power it was never built. Roland also in danger to collapse and he was rebuilt on a new concrete foundation. The head was replaced by an original copy, Roland’s original head has been displayed at the “Focke-Museum” since thenAs word has it in Bremen, it shall remain free and independent for as long as Roland is intact and watching over the city. The figure between his legs is described as the invalid who crawled around a property in 1032, which countess Emma then gifted to the city as the “Bürgerweide”Same as with the “Bremer Stadtmusikanten” (town musicians) there is a tradition for Roland as well; “those who rubbed his knee will return to Bremen”. Photo Bremen-roland-marktplatz-häuser by Roland.h.bueb is licensed under CC BY 3.0

27 DEC 2020 · Bremen’s city hall, one of the most important Gothic and Weser Renaissance buildings in Europe has been placed under monumental protection in 1973. Bremen’s natives lovingly call it “Das Schmuckstück der guten Stube (the jewel of the cosy quarters). It is the only European city hall from the late medieval age, which was never destroyed or modified.Now the building serves as headquarters for the Senate, the Senate‘s President and the Mayor of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen.Around 1400 at the peak of city development, a new city hall building was planned, which was built in the style of a Gothic hall construction from 1405 -1410. In the 15th century extra cellar facilities (Senats- and Kaiserzimmer, Apostel- and Rosekeller) were added. In 1545 another two-storey oriel facing the dome tower was added on the North wall.The old city hall was demolished after the Munich-based architect Gabriel von Seidl was awarded the planning contract and it was expanded with a three times as large but very understated backend extension made of clinker brick with a cooper roof until 1913.The upper hall, which formerly served as the original space for city council- and court sessions, is the most important room at city hall. It is now used for concerts, celebrations and receptions. With its size (41 metre long, 13 metre wide and 8 metre high), it is one of the largest medieval profane halls in Northern Europe. In 2012, after almost 50 years in the „Übersee Museum“, the historic fish painting was returned to its former space at the North wall if the upper hall.- The “Güldenkammer” (guild chamber) received its name from the leather wallpaper installed from 1618 – 1620.- The “Gobelinzimmer” (tapestry room) was originally planned as mayor’s room by Gabriel von Seidl, but eventually it became a small reception and consulting room. - The “Kaminsaal” (fireplace hall) is located right next to the “Gobelinzimmer” and is a comfortable area to relax with its high fireplace made of French marble and the black-brown parquet floors. - Der Senate room, with a carpet featuring the Bremen crest, is the Senate’s conference space. They had to be renewed in 19988 due to wear and tear. - The celebration hall, with a view of the flower market serves as the traditional New Year’s reception location for the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen. - In the “Wandelhalle” (change hall) visitors can look at the marble statue of Mayor Johann Smidt (1773 – 1853), which is located next to the entrance of the Senate’s President Office. The Central tourist office in Bremen offers several tours of the city hall almost every day; booking is required, however.In 2004 the entire ensemble, including the Bremer Roland statue, was declared a World Cultural Heritage by Unesco. Photo EKT09-Bremen Marktplatz-01 by Jürgen Howaldt is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

27 DEC 2020 · Here you can contemplate on the past while having dinner. The “Ratskeller” is a traditional guesthouse located the basement of Bremen’s city hall. It was placed under monumental protection in 1973.With effect of 1342, a prohibition to serve was imposed to prevent that “ not any citizen can taste the wine, only the city council”, such as the wine-masters appointed by the city council. A city wine cellar was established for storing the merchant’s and gastronomist’s wines to ensure that prices and tax profits could be monitored. After the old “Rathaus” was built in 1405 the drink service was moved to its cellar facilities. Originally only one could only select from two types of wine: premium and regularFrench soldiers plundered part of the Ratskeller’s inventory in 1805. After the World War II the American soldiers, who used the cellars as an officer’s club, did the same thing, prior to the regular guesthouse operation was resumed.Today the entire “Ratskeller” belongs to the “Bremer Ratskeller GmbH”. With approx. 650 different wines, the “Ratskeller” features the largest selection worldwide (exclusively German wines). Approximately 1,200 alcohol selections are offered overall.The entire “Rathaus” complex takes up to more than 5.000 m² and spreads underneath the new and old city hall, dome yard and the Liebfrauenkirchhof (church yard). The great hall (300 m²), also known as “historical hall” or “large pillar hall”, is the foundation of the old city hall, which was built in 1405 and represents the oldest part of the “Ratskeller”. A small area was initially located Vor dem Bacchus (in front of the Baccus) (80 m²) which served as a hallway from the big hall to the Bacchus – Keller, but in 1847 it was renovated to become the “great hall”. Bacchus – Keller (306 m²), which built as a wine cellar in 1602, was converted to a guesthouse. The Hauffsaal (109 m²)was named after the author Wilhelm Hauff in the 19th century, who wrote his well-known novel Phantasien zum Bremer Ratskeller – ein Herbstgeschenk für Freunde des Weines (Phantasies of the Bremen Ratskeller – an autumn gift for wine lovers) after visiting the Bremer Ratskeller in 1826.The “Apostel –and Rosekeller”(both together approx. 80 m²) is used to store very old wines, which are still suitable for the consumption, but only the cellarer and the current mayor in office are allowed to taste these wines. The “Senats –and Kaiserzimmer” (80 m²) initially were reserved as reception rooms for Senate guests, but now they can are available for booking. The “Zunftstube und alte Schatzkammer” (73 m²), connected to the “Baccus Keller” on the right side, was reserved for Bremen trades. The most valuable wines were formerly stored in the treasure chamber to the left side behind the Baccus Keller. Photo Bremen Ratskeller um 1900 by Unknown is licensed under public domain