Aachen is a curious and lively city. There is a lot of research, debate and discussion here. The future is invented and shaped here - in outstanding institutions that develop and pass on specialized knowledge. But where can people in Aachen find uncomplicated access to our knowledge society? Where is the open place to stay, communicate and learn where everyone is welcome? The place where all Aacheners can acquire knowledge, expand their knowledge and skills, live democracy and shape a sustainable society together?
This central location is (still) missing, but is to be created in the coming years following the decision by Aachen City Council in February 2025. We call this place the "House of Curiosity" - open to every question, every topic and many concerns. But above all, open to being inspired and discovering new things.
A meeting place for all people
In future, people will be able to play, read, learn and discuss here. People will be able to watch films, enjoy culture, attend seminars, discover new things or simply meet up and have a coffee. Open to the public and free of charge.
But don't we already have that? Isn't the VHS exactly this place? Or the city library? Yes and no. Because both the VHS and the city library are already excellent addresses for everyday and special education, for togetherness in the city. One can offer programs and seminars, the other can provide knowledge for all age groups in a low-threshold and target group-oriented manner. They are not an
insider tip. Together, they already welcome more than 1,500 users every day.
Central, open, inviting
They have always changed in line with people's needs. Now the VHS and the city library can continue to develop together. And redefine their role in Aachen's urban society together? If they come together with their different services in a common, open and architecturally interesting address, 1 and 1 will not become 2, but something completely new, a common house for all Aacheners: a house of curiosity!
Above all, shining eyes and happy encounters - because these two ingredients are crucial to ensuring that knowledge is acquired easily and sustainably. But it also brings attractive and inviting spaces with a diverse range of offers jointly designed by the VHS and the city library: Here, all Aachen residents can acquire new knowledge, pass on their own knowledge, research, read, exchange ideas and get advice.
Analog and digital media, workshops and seminars ranging from languages and IT to cooking, music-making and movement, political debates and cultural experiences, exhibitions and films in a shared space with a high level of appeal enrich everyday life, support personal and professional development and invite people to help shape the building and participate in society.
Multifunctional and modernly equipped rooms are of course also available to the independent scene, associations and initiatives. Everyone is welcome, there is something to discover everywhere, there is always something going on. Change has been considered from the outset, with users constantly redefining the content.
Good role models in Germany and Europe
In the library landscape in particular, outstanding and innovative buildings with enormous appeal have emerged in recent years. Libraries that play a decisive role in urban development, that create space for people to stay and meet, that bring people together in MakerSpaces and open events.
Some are created from existing office buildings (muntpunt Brussels) or from industrial halls (LocHal Tilburg), others are newly built (Kulturforum Hanau) and still others develop into the future from existing library buildings (Cologne City Library).
Adult education centers are also getting new, modern buildings, for example in Dortmund and Bochum. From time to time, adult education centers and libraries move into a building together, but then, as in Bonn and Nuremberg, the facilities usually stand next to each other. As initial examples have shown, consistent merging brings added value for everyone.
The Horten House in the city center
In the course of a feasibility study, the city of Aachen intensively examined possible locations for the Haus der Neugier from a programmatic, economic and structural perspective. The Haus Horten option emerged as the favorite from this study.
Above all, feasibility and sustainability speak in favor of this location, where the "Lust for Life" department store was located until 2017. Realizing the Haus der Neugier project in this building will also drive forward the development and revitalization of the surrounding area.
Good to know: The parts of the VHS located in the Bushof will have to leave the building in the foreseeable future for a partial refurbishment or a general overhaul. When the VHS moves into the Haus der Neugier, apartments can be built at the Bushof site.
The heart of Aachen's educational programs
The House of Curiosity has an additional significance as a communal contribution to educational equality. In the House of Curiosity, digital learning in particular should be accessible to everyone - regardless of social or ethnic background. In this way, it makes an important contribution to the "fair distribution" of the "future resource of knowledge". With its low-threshold advisory and service offerings, the Haus der Neugier is the heart of Aachen's educational offerings, its institutions and partners.
This central location is (still) missing, but will be created in the coming years following the decision by Aachen City Council in February 2025. We call this place the "House of Curiosity" - open to every question, every topic and many concerns. But above all, it is open to being inspired and discovering new things.
Info event April 3, 2025
A start full of optimism and lively discussions. The planners are euphoric and optimistic, the guests in the auditorium listen breathlessly and ultimately take part in a lively discussion. The emerging House of Curiosity has really aroused them - curiosity and hope.