Unveiling of the Bilker Fortress: Access Granted to the Public
Revitalized World War II Bunker to Unveil Vibrant Cultural and Community Space
A long-secluded underground structure, the Bilker Bunker, is set to breathe new life as a cultural and community hub, following a revitalization project by project developers "Kiss the Frog." The initiative aims to infuse the historical bunker with art, culture, and community activities.
On August 26th and 27th, interested parties can explore the bunker's seven floors, open from 12-6 PM, to witness the innovative transformation spearheaded by "Kiss the Frog." Due to safety regulations, visitors are kindly requested to secure free tickets online in advance.
Originally serving as a World War II air raid shelter, the Bilker Bunker has evolved into a multifunctional venue. To gauge the community's aspirations for the bunker, an extensive Bunker festival was organized in 2016. Over 2000 attendees showcased an overwhelming interest in art, culture, and a sense of community, which formed the basis of the usage concept.
The revitalization project amassed a budget of approximately 4.5 million euros, with contributions from the federal government and the city, along with funds raised through the sale of exclusive apartments built on the 5th and 6th floors. The bunker's long-term sustainability is ensured through a variety of formats and rental agreements, with proceeds funding exhibitions and other cultural activities.
here.
The Bilker Bunker now caters to diverse offerings, starting from showrooms on the 3rd and 4th floors. These spaces can be rented by fashion labels, designers, and creatives and range between 20 and 350 square meters. On the opening weekend, visitors will find Showroom 1: related by objects, LABEKA, Tina Miyake, Untold, TÊTE TURNEЯ, Barney Druckmacher, ETUK, and CIRCL. Visitors must secure a timeslot for showroom visits separately.
The 2nd floor offers office space, bike parking, and 24/7 accessibility via an elevator. The Bilker Bunker office is also situated here. The ground floor and 1st floor will host the inaugural exhibition, "From Shelter to Open Space," displaying contemporary works from Boris Becker, Mara Lilli Bohm, Florian Etti, Tristan Ulysses Hutgens, Moritz Karweick, Rosell Meseguer, and Felix Schramm.
The music bar "Schleuse Zwei" situated on the 1st floor will host concerts, DJ nights, and drinks over its small stage, accommodating around 150 people. Live performances and more will take place during the official opening on August 26th at 8 PM. The leisure area in the deep basement and the 2nd floor offers flexible hourly rentals for music, yoga, personal training, and coaching sessions. One room even features musical instruments for creative use.
The Bilker Bunker was built in 1942 as an air raid shelter and has been embellished with the image "Time Travelers" since 1995. An investor planned to demolish the bunker and build apartments in 2013, but a citizens' initiative, "Bilk pro Bunker," spearheaded the protection of the bunker and thwarted the plans. In 2016, "Küss den Frosch" took over the project and continues to breathe life into its historical and cultural significance while fostering creativity, community engagement, and leisure in a unique setting influenced by its wartime heritage.
here.
- The revitalized Bilker Bunker, now a cultural and community hub, will offer a diverse range of activities, including showcases in fashion-and-beauty with Showroom 1 featuring labels like related by objects, LABEKA, Tina Miyake, and others.
- For music enthusiasts, the music bar "Schleuse Zwei" on the 1st floor will host concerts, DJ nights, and live performances, with an initial event scheduled for the official opening on August 26th at 8 PM.
- In the sports realm, the leisure area in the deep basement and on the 2nd floor offers opportunities for music, yoga, personal training, and coaching sessions, complete with musical instruments for creative use.
