Bochum

The structural shift from steel-and-coal city to a metropolis of education was addressed early on with the founding of the Ruhr University, the first in the Ruhr district.

The Schauspielhaus Bochum (Bochum Playhouse) has been one of the best-known theatres in Germany since it was established in 1919. Peter Zadek, Claus Peymann, Frank-Patrick Steckel, Leander Haußmann, Matthias Hartmann and many more have constantly caused a stir at this hive of activity with their various artistic topics, not just here, but nationwide. In more recent times, however, hardly any other festival has focused the gaze of the cultural world so keenly on the Ruhr district as the RuhrTriennale: Bochum offers the internationally renowned festival and imposing headquarters in the form of the Jahrhunderthalle (Century Hall). That Bochum also has something to offer in disciplines other than theatre is proven by the Art Museum, which was founded in 1960 and occupies Villa Marckhoff. The building was extended in 1983 and is located near the City Park. Together with Galerie m, Situation Kunst and the art collection of the Ruhr University, it forms the backbone of Bochum's museum landscape. Quite different qualities are referred to by the ViktoriaQuartierBochum: a hotspot for music culture. The Bermuda3Eck has not only set standards in the Ruhr metropolis in matters of open-air dining, but is also the ideal backdrop for the legendary scene festival “BochumTotal”, at which local hit bands and the “greats” alike put their street credibility to the test every year.