Following the successful lease of the space at Yorckstraße 19–21 in 2023, the city of Düsseldorf is now also providing funding for the initial furnishings and operating costs of the “House of Cultures.” The City Council approved this decision at its meeting on April 10. This brings to fruition a long-standing vision aimed at creating an intercultural, interfaith, and nonpartisan center for education, culture, and social exchange.

To this end, additional investments totaling 1,370,000 euros are planned for the years 2025 through 2027. As part of a grant, the association will receive funds to finance the initial furnishing and operation of the premises, as well as the necessary staff positions. Starting in 2027, the association is expected to cover its own operating costs through service fees and admission charges. In addition, the City Council approved the cooperation agreement between the Office for Migration and Integration and Haus der Kulturen e.V. A usage agreement for the premises is also being finalized. The opening is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.

Representing and Promoting Cultural Diversity
The House of Cultures will serve as a central hub for people with and without immigrant backgrounds, embodying the diversity of Düsseldorf’s society, fostering intercultural exchange, and making an important contribution to social participation and democracy.

Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller: “With this step, we are sending a message of cultural diversity and respectful coexistence—values that our city embodies and shapes every day. The House of Cultures will be a meeting place for everyone in Düsseldorf who wants to engage with one another and learn together.”

Contrary to initial plans, the management of the Haus der Kulturen will be taken over by the association of the same name. The “Haus der Kulturen” association comprises more than 60 member organizations representing immigrant communities and thus reflects the great diversity of Düsseldorf’s society.

In addition to the municipal integration center, other partners include Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences, the Theatermuseum, the Central Library, and the Adult Education Center. Furthermore, collaborations are planned with the Deutsche Oper am Rhein and the Jewish Community, among others.

Center for Education, Culture, and Social Exchange
In close collaboration with the Municipal Integration Center of the Office for Migration and Integration, the concept underlying the House of Cultures was also fundamentally revised. This is also reflected in the events and activities of the House. They can be divided into three pillars:

• Pillar A: Events organized by the House of Cultures, including panel discussions on current topics such as integration and racism, as well as cultural workshops, exhibitions, and intercultural cafés.
• Pillar B: Events organized by member associations that regularly host cultural and social events.
• Pillar C: Events organized in collaboration with partners, such as concerts, major cultural festivals, and counseling services for migrants and refugees.

All segments of society are invited to participate actively and help shape the program.

Miriam Koch, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Integration: “The House of Cultures is a place for all Düsseldorf residents. We want to promote intercultural dialogue while also creating a creative environment that strengthens identity and social awareness of diversity and cohesion.”

Space Utilization and Operating Hours
The Haus der Kulturen has a total of 600 square meters of usable space available at Yorckstraße 19–21. Plans include coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and event spaces for a wide range of events, which will be used by both member organizations and external groups.

The facility’s operating hours will be tailored to the needs of its target groups and will generally be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For use outside these hours, a transparent system involving key handoffs and liability agreements will be established. The goal is to make the space effectively available to various clubs and initiatives.

Contact: Annemarie Wotschke

presse@duesseldorf.de, Phone +49.211.89-93131