Botanische Garten der Universität Bonn is an oasis of peace and quiet in the middle of the city. The original gardens were re-landscaped in 1819 and still bear the typical English elements that were the flavor of the day in the early 19th Century. Visitors can admire a host of exotic plants ranging from Amazonian water lilies to orchids from the tropical rain forests. The giant North American trees are particularly striking.
The Arithmeum pays tribute to the rise and development of mechanical machinery that existed before the technological age. This mathematics museum in the heart of Bonn exhibits a unique collection of calculators and mathematical machinery. Bernhard Korte, the founder of Arithmeum included pieces of his own private collection to those at the museum bringing in a total of 1200 pieces that were used extensively before the age of computers. The calculators here include some of the biggest and most complex thus drawing a vast number of students and enthusiasts of mathematics to the museum.
From the Munsterplatz in the middle of the city, there is a great view of the basilica. The church still shapes the city's skyline and is one of Bonn's most important buildings. In 3 AD, a historic memorial to the dead (cella memoria) was located here, where the martyrs and city leaders Florentinus and Cassius are said to be buried. A century later, a church was erected, facing North East. In around 1040, this Carolingian church was torn down and the building of a basilica was started, with a nave and two aisles in the shape of a cross. Gerhard von Are (1124-1169) allowed the church to be extended with a choir and east apse. The massive tower was finally built in around 1200. Wars and fires left their marks on the basilica, which was considerably damaged during the Second World War. Restoration work and rebuilding was first finished in 1982 and today the facade still shows the transitional style between the Romantic and Gothic. Particularly worth a look is the Rococo chancel inside the minster, the organ built by Klais in 1961, the window by Paul Weigmann in the nave, the cloister and much more.
Regierungsbunker or Dokumentationsstatte Regierungsbunker, is a long tunnel system and a bunker which currently functions as a museum. It was built in the cold war era in order to protect government officials in the event of another war breaking out. After the cold war, it was put out of commission and became an attraction, offering guided tours which attracts people by the thousands.
Located on Hans-Arp-Allee, Arp Museum Bahnhof Rolandseck was opened in September 2007 and was inaugurated by the then chancellor of the country, Angela Merkel. The building is connected to the historic station of Rolandseck via a tunnel that is named after the Jungle Book character, Kaa. The museum spans three floors and exhibits different fine art relics. It also houses a cafe and bistro which is situated in the renovated banquet hall of the station. Apart from this, the museum also hosts reading sessions, classical music concerts, and music festivals.
f you have come to Bonn for culture, then you should head straight for the Museum Mile, which stretches over several kilometers. Cultural enjoyment begins with the Museum König, in which you can wonder at animal specimens and exhibits. It contains Germany's largest zoological collection. The Haus der Geschichte is next, which emphasizes post-1945 history. And not to be forgotten is the Bonn Art Museum. Here, art of the 20th Century, mainly expressionism, is on display. Regularly changing exhibitions are held here.
Enjoy a tour of the Firla Gallery in Bonn that reveals the nuances of graphic art. The gallery is named after Siegfried Firla who was a renowned artist himself. It showcases the works of several modern artists like E. Bach, M. Chagall and J. Votteler. There are over 600 pictures and artworks that can be seen at the in-house art shop. One can also pick some handmade frames.
This church is a great example of the Rhenish Romanesque style; it is a splendid structure whose architecture is accentuated by sculptures and ornamented capitals.
Constructed between 1206 and 1214, St. Martin is identifiable from its Rhenish transitional facade. The galleries, tower floor and choir are later additions and thanks to the aforementioned features the structure was declared as a protected monument under the Hague Convention.
Cet édifice sacré en brique et béton du XXe siècle ressemble à une fortification de défense médiévale.