“True signs. Contemporary witnesses of history” – focusing on monuments as authentic testimonies – is the motto of this year’s Open Monument Day. On September 8, 2024, millions of culture fans across Germany will be able to experience that monuments are “true signs”: They symbolize history, time periods and regions as well as very personal stories. The diverse historical buildings always have a significance and symbolic power for the immediate surroundings or far beyond, both regionally and nationally. As landmarks and “signs” of the region, they contribute to orientation and identification, attract tourists as sights and reflect the “real” as authentically tangible testimonies. They are reliable stores of knowledge in times of disinformation and artificially generated images. The neo-classical building of the Arenbergische Rentei in Meppen is open from 2 to 5 p.m. on the occasion of the action day. Insights are given into the building and its history, but also into the reign of the Dukes of Arenberg, who were sovereigns in Emsland from 1803. In addition, the “Experience and information rooms on Meppen’s town history” invite visitors to explore the town’s history (also digitally). Free special tours take place at 2 pm and 4 pm.

Place: Arenbergische Rentei

Time: 2 to 5 pm

Free admission