Monheim am Rhein

Monheim am Rhein is located between Düsseldorf and Cologne. The small town has over 46,000 inhabitants – two thirds in the Monheim district and one third in the Baumberg district. The city invests in families, infrastructure and culture. For example, citizens do not have to pay fees for daycare centres, have been travelling for free on local public transport since 2020 and use a constantly growing network of cycle paths. The city and large parts of the retail sector have committed to the idea of fair trade and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the city.

Here is an overview of developments in Monheim am Rhein:

… City of music
A centerpiece of the city of Monheim am Rhein is the music school. Thanks to the Monheim model “Music School for All!” all children receive intensive music school lessons in elementary school. And there is also a music triennial …

… Capital for children
The city’s goal is to provide optimal support for all children in their development until they enter the workforce. In addition to children, young adults are also supported by the city. Between the ages of 18 and 21, all Monheimers have the opportunity to apply for a free Interrail pass.

… City of Culture
The Monheimer Kulturwerke is the city’s largest cultural organizer, with well over one hundred cultural events each year in the areas of theater, comedy, cabaret, music, readings and open-air festivals. The cultural landscape would be inconceivable without the socio-cultural center Sojus 7 with its café “Zum goldenen Hans,” the literature house named after the well-known author Ulla Hahn, who was born and raised in Monheim, the adult education center, the “Spielmann” scene meeting place and many other cultural venues. In addition, the Monheim carnival culture is loved and lived.

Art also plays a major role in Monheim: the art school offers a wide range of courses for all age and interest groups. As part of general education, cultural education is intended to strengthen participation in society and the common future.

In addition, the city pays special attention to presenting art as an essential element of urban culture when developing public space. For example, the sculpture “Leda” by Markus Lüpertz, a tribute to the Gänseliesel, the city’s landmark, which was inaugurated in September 2019, caused quite a stir. Other works of art include the sculpture “Cry for Freedom” by Saman Hidayat and the project “Haste Töne” by the artist quartet “Inges Idee” - a giant record player in a traffic circle. The “Monheim Geyser” inaugurated in October 2020 has attracted attention beyond the city limits. - It was designed by Swiss artist Thomas Stricker and is located in the middle of a traffic circle on the banks of the Rhine in Monheim. In addition, works by Timm Ulrichs, Jeppe Hein, Tony Cragg and Mischa Kuball have been realized in the last year and a half.

… Smart City
Since 2016, the city has been working steadily on its efficiency. Among other things, free Wi-Fi throughout the city and autonomous buses have already been introduced.

… City of good food
A good overview of Monheim am Rhein’s delicacies (and other things worth knowing) is provided by the website Discover Monheim am Rhein.

… Economic city
The drastic reduction of the trade tax rate starting in 2009 made the city debt-free. Monheim am Rhein now has the lowest trade tax rates in North Rhine-Westphalia. As a result, more and more companies are settling in the city.

… Participatory city
On a participatory portal set up by the city, it is possible for Monheim residents to get involved in the city’s activities and even help plan the city.

A free map of the city of Monheim am Rhein is available here.