A sense of hope in Essen

Visible changes in the Capital of Culture

The sense of hope is palpable all over Essen.
It is noticeable: the title of Capital of Culture has ushered in a new city culture. In Essen we're doing our utmost to develop our own urban identity. Our efforts are supported by a multitude of new partnerships in business, architecture and design. Within the scope of numerous PublicPrivatePartnership models, innovative projects are being planned and implemented.

The impossible suddenly seems possible

2010 is looming, and we are holding the title Capital of Culture - the winds of change are blowing strongly throughout the city and region. Large building sites are changing the Essen cityscape.
The ambitious target for most of these projects is the year 2010.

All eyes on Essen and the Ruhr region

Essen has already benefited greatly from the new public and media attention, which our submission for and subsequent triumph in the pan-European competition generated.
The national media has recently discovered Essen and the Ruhr region as the centre of remarkable developments, and backdrop for spectacular cultural events.

Increasing numbers of visitors

In 2007, Essen's hotels registered over one million overnight stays for the very first time. Essen's movers and shakers are confident that the city will soon establish itself as a favoured destination for city-breaks and culture tourism. But not only the hotel and restaurant industry has noticed a stiffening of the breeze. A renewed interest in the region's cultural offerings in filling the sails.