Open Monument Day in Jena
On 11.09.2022, the nationwide Open Monument Day will once again take place in Jena. After only a greatly reduced and predominantly digital program was possible in the last two years due to Corona, we are all the more pleased that around 30 cultural monuments can be visited again this time. These include, for example, the former Körnerei, the Rat- und Brauhaus in Laasan and the Saale power plant in Burgau. Another highlight is that the newly renovated Volkshaus will be opening its doors. The complete program and all participating locations can be found in the flyer.
"KulturSpur. A case for monument protection" - Monument Day 2022
The motto of this year's Heritage Day is "Kultur.Spur. A case for monument protection". After all, monument protection means searching for and securing traces - regardless of whether they are archaeological, architectural or garden monuments. It was therefore only a matter of time for the German Foundation for Monument Protection to leave "traces" in its motto.
The foundation writes: "Monuments are witnesses to the past stories of their inhabitants and builders. Their building fabric is full of evidence. Historical scars, additions and further developments tell a lot about a building and its inhabitants. The monument itself can become a victim. The Open Monument Day 2022 explores the question of what knowledge and evidence can be gained by examining the original monument substance. What traces has human activity left behind over the centuries and through many layers of time? What >deeds were committed in and on the building? And what conclusions does monument preservation draw from this?
In order to systematically investigate cultural traces on monuments, experts are needed to secure traces and evidence, analyze clues and uncover crimes. A wide range of players - monument owners, monument conservators, citizens' initiatives, restorers, building researchers, craftsmen, architects, archaeologists and historians - work hand in hand to achieve this. Only by persistently and competently searching for traces can the architecture created by previous generations be understood and passed on to future generations. We can all be the mouthpieces of these silent contemporary witnesses and uncover events from the laying of the foundation stone to the present day."
Background
The Open Monument Day has existed since 1993. It is coordinated by the German Foundation for Monument Protection. Guided tours and tours encourage people to set off to get to know our cultural heritage and the professions, trades, techniques and people involved in its preservation. This day thrives on encounters and conversations and provides enriching moments and new insights. The city of Jena has been taking part since 1993.