The Haus der Geschichte (History House) of the Federal Republic of Germany is a must for all. Post 1945 German history is portrayed here in an interesting manner -with text captions, historical objects and photos illustrating historical events. The information here is not restricted to politics, the visitor also learns interesting facts about the history of society, art, culture as well as the economic situations. Technical aids such as screens, listening posts and info-drawers make the visit a relaxing journey through Germany's recent history. You can sit on one of the original seats from the plenary chamber to observe parliamentary debates from the fifties and sixties.
Bonn's green oasis is definitely the Rheinauenpark, ideal for long walks, picnics on one of the lawns, or a barbecue in one of the designated areas. In summer, you can also go rowing, or play with a remote-controlled boat on the Auen lake and if that's not enough, there is also an adventure play area for the kids and beer gardens for adults.
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.
This neo-classical building, which contains one of Germany's most important Zoological collections, was built at the beginning of the 20th Century. The Alexander Koenig Research Museum, with its preserved animals and exhibits, offers an exciting afternoon for families. Over 3000 animals are on display in their natural surroundings. From local birds to exotic mammals and huge skeletons of extinct ostriches, it's all here. The bird collection has 70,000 exhibits and is particularly extensive. The egg collection is just as important and unique. The corridor to the vivarium is also impressive, as a few living reptiles are on display.
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.
The Haus des Waldes in Gut Leidenhausen is worth a visit by all nature-lovers. There are explanations, for the scientifically-minded, of the ecological circulation of the forest, and of what woodland ecosystems are to be found near the Rhine. One area of the museum is also dedicated to the infamous disappearance of the forests.
Jugendhaus Lindenhof is meeting place for youth and children of Leverkusen. The center works with an association with several clubs, schools and various youth facilities. Events like summer outdoor trips, flea markets, excursions, canoeing, indoor soccer championship, and even cooking and baking activities are organized. It is known for its famous project 'Kulturrucksack', where interesting activities are on offer for both parents and children.
Theater Marabu is counted as one of the finest performing arts venues in Bonn, focusing on youth and children's theater. Established in the year 1993, it not just boasts of a thriving kids' theater schedule but also collaborates with a number of national and regional drama festivals. Owing to its dedicated efforts in promoting youth-based theatricals and plays, it has bagged many awards like ASSITEJ and was also nominated for the prestigious George Tabori Award.
Katholische Kirche St. Maurinus is an important parish church of the St. Maurinus and Mary. Mentions of the church have been said to date back to 1311. The church has constantly been rebuilt over the years with the current facade dating 1844. External features of the church reflect strong Gothic Revival styling with a brick nave and classic semicircular apse. A ribbed vault and a tower soaring at a height of 41.20 meters (135 feet) are of particular prominence. The beautiful organ of the church features 22 registers.
Located on Schanzenstrasse within the Carlswerk building in Köln-Mülheim, Depot 2 is an alternative venue of the Schauspiel Köln situated nearby. It is a smaller counterpart of the adjacent Schauspiel Köln im Depot 1, and seats nearly 250. The venue hosts both contemporary and classical theater performances.