Mannheim Germany- An excellent destination to visit

Mannheim, in southwest Germany, is one of Europe's most creative cities. Here you will find international companies working on groundbreaking innovations that will shape our future. The city's grid-like layout makes it straightforward to get around without getting lost. Furthermore, it makes for a great shopping destination with plenty of department stores located right in the heart of town.

The City of Squares

Mannheim, located between the Rhine and Neckar rivers in southwest Germany, is known as “The City of Squares” due to its grid-like pattern. In the 17th century, Elector Friedrich IV of Palatinate designed this layout for his streets. Mannheim boasts a total of 144 squares spanning an expansive area from Kurt Schumacher Bridge to the water tower. This innovative urban planning system is an enchanting blend of practicality and Renaissance ideals. The City of Squares is an excellent destination for art, culture, and history buffs. It boasts numerous cultural landmarks like the National Theater and Reiss Engelhorn Museum. You can also check out Pop Academy to witness talented young musicians studying music and management.

Moreover, the city is renowned for its exciting nightlife scene, with plenty of pubs and clubs to choose from. The Jungbusch district at the west end of the town center is one of the best places to party. Shopping in the city center offers a diverse selection of shops. Some are situated within squares, while others are scattered throughout. You can shop for souvenirs at the “Little Istanbul” market quarter on Paradeplatz, which offers a picturesque area to stroll and take in the sights. Don't forget to visit Mannheim Cathedral, an iconic Gothic building from the 19th century – while you're there!

Another stunning landmark in the City of Squares is Mannheim Baroque Palace, an exquisite historic site dating back to the 17th century. This palace houses the University of Mannheim and boasts stunning architectural features. If you want a guided tour before arriving in the City of Squares, be sure to reserve one ahead of time. This is the best way to get an overview of everything this vibrant city has to offer. Guided tours in 'Grid-City' offer an easy way to discover its various areas and give you a closer look at all its major attractions. Tours on foot or by bus can be tailored according to your individual needs and interests.

The Baroque Palace

The Mannheim Palace, commonly referred to as “the Schloss,” is one of Europe's grandest baroque palaces. Constructed between 1720 and 1760, it now serves as home to the University of Mannheim and extends 450 m long on an area of 6 hectares. In 1720, Karl Philip, the Elector of Palatinate, moved his capital from Heidelberg to Mannheim at a time when many German princes were building impressive new residences. As a result, an extravagant palace costing well over two million gulden was constructed – severely straining the finances of the Palatinate region.

Construction on the palace took 18 years, and in 1731 Karl Philip finally moved his court there. Designed by renowned architect Gottfried van der Laan, the palace stands today as one of the finest examples of Mannheim baroque architecture. In the museum, you can explore the main part of the Baroque Palace, including its majestic ceremonial staircase and grand Rittersaal (knights' hall) restored to its original grandeur. Here, rooms are furnished with 21 large tapestries, priceless paintings and ornate furniture that recreate its bygone grandeur.

Mannheim offers plenty of activities and attractions, and it is one of Germany's foremost hubs for immigration and cultural diversity. It boasts an exciting music scene, culinary gems, as well as numerous events and parties to enjoy. Mannheim's most impressive landmark is the Baroque Palace, a 450 m long structure constructed between 1720 and 1760 and now home to the University of Mannheim. This castle is one of Europe's largest baroque structures, second only to Versailles in size. It was designed by renowned architect Gottfried van der Laan, renowned for his expertise in both baroque and Neoclassical architecture. As one of Mannheim's finest examples of baroque architecture, the building today serves as an excellent destination to take a guided tour through historic German architecture.

Explore this captivating place and enjoy an afternoon here. Not only is the interior of the castle stunning, but it offers plenty of educational opportunities too. There's a museum within it as well as various interactive stations where visitors can discover more about its fascinating history.

The Open Urban Art Museum is worth visiting

For a unique art experience, the Open Urban Art Museum is worth visiting. It showcases murals created by some top street artists worldwide and explores various themes such as personal growth or political messages. With something for everyone at this gallery, there's sure to be something here for everyone. The museum is housed in an art building that was constructed in 1907 and originally housed a temporary exhibition. Nowadays, it displays both modern and contemporary artwork. Visitors are sure to be delighted by its diverse offerings of unique exhibits that appeal to both casual art admirers and more serious art connoisseurs alike. This museum is worth visiting if you're interested in modern German art. It's particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on New Objectivity, a movement popular in Germany until the end of the 1920s that was inspired by American modernism, functional design and the Bauhaus movement.

In addition to paintings, the museum also houses sculptures and installations by German artists like Gerhardt Mammen and Max Beckmann. Additionally, there is a section on modern German art's repression during Nazi rule, featuring examples when artists were labeled as “degenerate” and much of their work confiscated by the Nazis. Though not as large as the Art Gallery of Modern Art in Berlin, this museum has plenty to offer those interested in modern German art. There are nine different exhibition spaces called “kubus," connected by bridges and stairs. Kubus 6 features three monumental works by Anselm Kiefer.

At the Art Hall, visitors are captivated by a series of paintings confiscated by the Nazis. Not only is this significant in terms of history, but it serves as a poignant reminder of how far our country has come since World War II ended. Luisenpark Gardens are an idyllic spot to have a picnic or explore the butterfly house and Chinese gardens. It's no surprise why they're one of Mannheim's most popular attractions! For an extra-special experience, you can even rent a gondola to explore the lake!

The Water Tower is iconic

Mannheim's iconic Water Tower is a striking symbol of the city that was constructed between 1886 and 1989 by renowned German architect Gustav Halmhuber. Situated amidst lush parkland, this Baroque structure has become an iconic attraction for both locals and visitors alike. The water tower was constructed to ensure a steady supply of drinking water for the expanding city. Due to its rapid growth, Kafertal waterworks could no longer meet all its needs; thus, construction of its tower became necessary.

In 1790, Johann Andreas von Traitter of the Electoral Palatinate began creating a plan to provide water for Mannheim. He charted out watercourses from Rohrbach and the Neckar River with the goal of channeling this water directly into Mannheim for irrigation purposes. He also proposed creating 54 wells for water supply in Mannheim. These would be connected to the city's main water line and serve as a source for fountains, public pipe fountains, and private buildings.

However, despite all their efforts, there remained an issue with water supply. Fountains on the square weren't getting enough liquid. This issue was ultimately solved thanks to American physicist Benjamin Thompson's lobbying of both Electoral Palatinate major and administrative councilor to find a resolution. Ultimately, a water pipeline was constructed between Rohrbach and Mannheim to solve the problem. Unfortunately, it proved costly, and guilds that relied on Rhine water protested against it. Following the construction of the Mannheim water tower, other water works were established nearby. This led to an abundance of reservoirs being constructed throughout Mannheim. Mannheim's iconic water tower, made of sandstone and known for its vibrant jets of water that decorate its front facade, stands on Friedrichsplatz as a central gathering place for city residents.