Thousands swarm the Memorial Capital!

Comprehensive Guide to Gera in Thuringia: Essential Knowledge for Residents, Visitors, and Businesses.

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2025 September 18 . 5:16 AM

2 min read

Huge Crowd in Memorial Capital – Over 17,000 Participants!

Thousands swarm the Memorial Capital!

September 14, 2025, marked a special day in Germany as the Open Monument Day took place across the country. The event, which has been a tradition since its establishment, kicked off in Gera, a city renowned for its historical styles.

Gera, under the spotlight, was the location for the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz (German Foundation for Monument Protection)'s opening event. Dr. Steffen Skudelny, the chairman of the foundation, welcomed over 17,000 guests throughout the day in more than 40 monuments and on the event square in Gera.

Mayor Kurt Dannenberg expressed his joy and pride that the nationwide opening of the Open Monument Day was taking place in Gera. In his greeting, Dr. Skudelny stated that the diversity of people attending the event shows that culture doesn't need translation.

This year's event had a novel focus, shifting away from the traditional focus on older epochs of architecture. The theme "Worth-it: Priceless or Irreplaceable?" guided the exploration of younger epochs such as Ostmoderne and Bauhaus architecture. The Open Monument Day was significant for its focus on these younger epochs, a departure from previous years.

The nationwide opening of the Open Monument Day featured a Market of Possibilities and monuments citywide that were exclusively opened for the event. Minister President Mario Voigt, in his address, emphasized the importance of days like the Open Monument Day for shaking things up and keeping the thought of home alive.

Minister President Voigt expressed that monuments symbolize history and home, and that a forward-looking view is necessary to keep the thought of home alive. He used the Open Monument Day as motivation for all engaged and new enthusiasts across the country.

Gera, with its fascinating range of historical styles, offered a unique experience for the participants. The Open Monument Day was not just a look back at history, but also a means to inspire a forward-looking view. The event provided over 9,000 offers at around 6,500 monuments, located in approximately 2,300 cities and municipalities nationwide.

The Open Monument Day offered a unique experience with a focus on younger epochs of architecture, providing a glimpse into the future for Thuringia. The event served as a testament to the enduring appeal of our historical and architectural heritage, and as a call to preserve and protect it for future generations.