The Weltkunstzimmer

"We try to understand the world in its complex contexts, irritations and multi-layered nature and to approach it anew again and again - in art, in discourse and in experimentation."

The Weltkunstzimmer is the art center of the Hans Peter Zimmer Foundation in Düsseldorf. Our program consists of exhibitions, the concert series Musikzimmer, performances and presentations from dance and theater, workshops, talks, the film festival Urban Space Videowalk, as well as the Weltkunstzimmer Residency. We also regularly promote collaborations in the fields of art, theater, dance, film and music through the affordable use of the unique spaces in Düsseldorf (e.g. International Dance Fair NRW, Tanzrecherche, ASPHALT Summer Festival of the Arts, die digitale - Festival for Digital Art and Music and many more). We see ourselves as a place for mindful contemplation: the programming of cultural projects pursues the task of reflecting on the relationship between art and society. We strive to enable visitors to recognize and develop their thoughts and ideas in our programme.

Our existence allows us to contemplate urban development for and against urban society. The courtyard area is a silent activist against gentrification, which is increasingly transforming Düsseldorf and changing, threatening and destroying the living spaces of human and non-human actors. Another meditative aspect can be found in the diversity of the cultural projects; the traditional and the progressive are allowed to stand side by side. The key value is tolerance towards interests and an openness to the unconventional without pressure to innovate. As an urban biotope in the heart of Düsseldorf, the listed former backing factory is a refuge for creativity. The focus is on building long-term collaborations with local artists as well as a global exchange with a wide variety of living environments. Our small, dedicated team works flexibly and quickly to realize both small cultural gems and ambitious large-scale projects. For us, art plays a creative role in relation to society. For this reason, we want to be an open place - a space for living, exchanging, reflecting and experimenting, where artists, researchers and interdisciplinary experts are inspired and challenged to come up with unconventional ideas and presentations.

The Team