Germany hosts nationwide Open Monument Day on September 13

On September 13, 2026, Germany will host the annual ‘Tag des offenen Denkmals’ (Open Monument Day), an event coordinated by the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz. This year’s theme is ‘NetzWERKE: Denkmale & Infrastruktur’ (Networks: Monuments & Infrastructure), focusing on how historical structures served as vital societal and technical connections.

Thousands of sites across the country will open to the public, including locations that are typically inaccessible. Programs include guided tours of Roman bridges in Trier, industrial complexes like the Völklinger Hütte, and historical bunkers and mining museums in Datteln. Maritime heritage will be highlighted in northern regions through museum ships and historic harbors, while archaeological sites like the Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen will showcase Stone Age networks.

Participating cities such as Koblenz, Chemnitz, and Passau are offering diverse activities ranging from art exhibitions and musical performances to specialized tours of city walls, fortifications, and religious buildings. The event aims to make history tangible by showcasing the interplay between historical architecture and the infrastructure that shaped human movement, trade, and community life.