Churches as Fourth Places

Between 30 and 50 percent of church buildings in Germany will be empty in the coming decades. Of the approximately 6,000 churches in North Rhine-Westphalia, up to 3,000 will no longer be used. Until a few years ago, church institutions had hardly or not at all responded to this trend, but the pressure to deal with the existing stock is now increasing significantly.

Churches are a unique architectural heritage, if you think of the world-famous post-war modern church buildings on the Rhine and Ruhr. But they are also important places of community and a building typology that is associated with many emotions and memories. Emotionality is also reflected in the lengthy and conflict-ridden conversion processes of church buildings. Their success is determined above all by the personal commitment of the many people involved and their ability to deal with conflict.

From September 1st to October 6th, 2024, the Museum of Building Culture NRW will focus on people who, for various reasons, are concerned with the topic of church transformation in the exhibition "Churches as Fourth Places - Perspectives of Change". The exhibition will be presented in the Holy Spirit Church in Essen-Katernberg. The opening will take place on Sunday, September 1st, 2024, at 11 a.m.

The vacancy and demolition of churches is countered by a social need for places for social exchange, community and social identification. Church buildings are particularly suitable for this - their architecture creates identity in the urban space, gives people space for exchange, spirituality and contemplation, and has unique atmospheres and emotional qualities. In this way, churches create something new, a "fourth place" that goes beyond the function of a meeting place for the community (the so-called third places).

In the form of video interviews, the Museum of Building Culture NRW illustrates the range, diversity and complexity of the people involved in the conversion processes and their attitudes. This also involves dialogue and cooperation, which is necessary for communication for a successful church conversion.

Another focus of the exhibition is on examples of churches in North Rhine-Westphalia that have already been converted. These are presented using photos and texts. This makes the content and architectural range of possible transformations visible. The exhibition also provides background information, including on monument protection, the role of municipalities and canon law.

"Churches as Fourth Places" provides an impulse and opens up dialogues about the future of spaces that are no longer used for liturgical purposes. Accompanying discussion and workshop events bring local and neighboring communities, residents, clubs and other groups into exchange on conversion.

Opening: 1.9.2024, 11 am