Aachen: Culture and Community – Innovation, Remembrance, and Education in Focus

Aachen's Cultural and Community Policy: Innovation, Remembrance, and Education in Focus

In the months of May and June 2026, the city of Aachen made significant strides in its cultural and community policy. At the same time, long-term structures were reviewed and expanded. The topics ranged from digital culture to commemorative projects and educational initiatives. Special attention was given to the prevention of antisemitism and the remembrance of the Nazi era.

Cultural Projects and Innovation: Augmented Reality in the Coronation Hall

A central project approved in May 2026 is the implementation of an augmented reality offering in the Coronation Hall. With a city contribution of 50,000 euros, the project "Time Travel – Augmented Reality in the Coronation Hall" is being realized. In cooperation with RWTH Aachen, the Cultural Enterprise, and the Town Hall Association, the technology – specifically an AR glasses with high resolution – will take visitors on a digital time-travel experience. The opening is planned for at least 200 days a year.

This project underlines Aachen's approach to making culture more accessible and interactive through modern technology. At the same time, it is a step toward the digitalization of the city's cultural offerings, which will also be monitored within the KulturMonitoring initiative (KulMon). The monitoring, which conducts surveys in museums and theaters/orchestras, provides data on usage and satisfaction, visualized through a digital dashboard. Training sessions and advisory hours for usage have been set up.

Memorials and Remembrance of the Nazi Era: Progress and Challenges

The remembrance of the Nazi era remained a central aspect of cultural and community policy. The status report on the Aachen Nazi memorial is still under preparation. Although the adult education center (VHS) has been using a space at the former Gestapo building since 2024, funding applications to the State Association for Adult Education (LVR) and the NRW Foundation have been rejected. In addition, the use of the spaces by the RWTH Library is hindering progress. A meeting with the RWTH rector confirmed a general agreement to the handover, but concrete implementation plans are not yet in place.

At the same time, the relocation of Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) for Arthur, Berta, Herbert, and Kurt Gottschalk in Kornelimünster has been proposed. The relocation is planned for Steinkaulplatz 4, with the artist Gunter Demnig involved. The memorial book project for the victims of the Shoah supports this initiative, emphasizing the regional character of remembrance work.

Antisemitism Prevention and Educational Work: Citizen Petition and Coordination

Another focus was the prevention of antisemitism. A citizen petition for educational and action weeks against antisemitism in 2026 was unanimously supported. Initiatives such as "DIG Aachen" and "Grandmothers Against the Right" are involved in the effort. The city has recommended planning budget funds and considering patronage. The administration supports the organization by providing spaces and infrastructure.

Furthermore, it was proposed to improve coordination with existing commemorative events (e.g., Night of Broken Glass commemoration) to avoid overlaps. The VHS Aachen is actively involved in these efforts and offers free educational programs on topics such as the Shoah, Jewish life, and racism.

Finances and Budget Situation: Stability and Planning

Financially, cultural and community policy remained stable. The Cultural Enterprise E 49 recorded a surplus of 163,473.83 euros in 2025, which will be added to the profit reserve. For 2026 and 2027, municipal own funds and grants for the "Partnership for Democracy" project are planned. In addition, the KoMoNa project for ecological cemetery development is supported with approximately 457,000 euros.

The VHS Aachen recorded a positive revenue forecast, despite a slight decline in participants. The "Living Democracy" project influences the budget planning, but funding through third-party funds remains stable. Risks such as the risk portal in the economic plan (300,000 euros) can be closed.

Previous Developments

In February 2026, Aachen's Sports Committee presented the status of the Sportpark Soers project, which is to become a central sports and leisure site in the future with a multifunctional sports hall, riding hall, and mobility hub; in addition, renovation work at the Hangeweiher outdoor pool is planned after the 2026 season. At the same time, the bath enterprise is struggling with staffing issues and plans to reduce evening opening hours again starting in 2026.

Outlook: Regional Cooperation and New Impulses

Overall, Aachen is characterized by a wide range of projects and collaborations in its cultural and community policy. The presentation of the association "Kulturtafel für Aachen und die Städteregion" to the Operations Committee shows the regional approach, which is also continued through projects such as "AKZENT Barock" and the archive project of the Eifel and Homeland Association in Kornelimünster.

Aachen thus proves that culture is not only an offer but also a central building block for education, remembrance, and democratic participation – an approach that will be further developed and expanded in the future.