Bielefeld Textile Companies in National Socialism: A Walk Through History and Remembrance

Event: "...passed into Aryan ownership", Bielefeld textile companies in National Socialism in Altes Rathaus, Niederwall 25, 33602 Bielefeld on 20. May 2026

Date and Time

20. May 2026 15:00

Location

Hofbräu am Alten Rathaus
Niederwall 25, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany

Price

Free

About this Event

Tours & Sightseeing

Mood

Relaxed

Venue Type

Outside

Tracing History in the Heart of Bielefeld: A Walk Through Repressed Textile History

This walk leads through the old and new town of Bielefeld and opens up a chapter of city history that has long been in the shadows. Between historic streets, former company locations, and the city's cultural memory, an intense discovery experience unfolds that connects local history, culture of remembrance, and urban architecture.

A Stroll Through the City Center with Historical Depth

The history workshop of VHS Bielefeld recalls the Jewish textile companies that once made Bielefeld a center of the laundry and clothing industry. The walk highlights how these businesses were closed or Aryanized under the pressure of the National Socialists in the 1930s. This makes the urban space itself a witness to the time: facades, street sections, and former company headquarters tell stories of rise, loss, and displacement.

Historical Places, Visible Traces, Strong Stories

The walk begins at the Old Town Hall and takes you through the city center to historical locations of once-renowned textile companies. At the end, a further place awaits at Paulusstraße/corner of Prinzenstraße, where the historical narrative continues to resonate. It is precisely this connection of place, biography, and economic history that makes the city tour so impressive: Here, cultural heritage is not conveyed abstractly, but experienced directly on-site.

Why This City Tour Moves

The tour combines knowledgeable facilitation with a sensitive engagement with the Nazi era. Visitors experience a cultural enrichment that goes beyond classic sightseeing: It is about remembrance, responsibility, and understanding how closely urban development and family histories are intertwined. Anyone who knows or discovers Bielefeld sees the city center with new eyes afterward.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

The event is designed as an outdoor walk and takes place from 15:00 to 17:00. If there are weather warnings, the appointment is canceled. The meeting point is the Old Town Hall at Niederwall 25 in Bielefeld. The walk is free of charge and therefore particularly attractive for those who decide spontaneously.

Conclusion: A Tour That Resonates

Anyone interested in local history, Jewish heritage, and the hidden sides of the city will find a remarkable tour with depth here. The walk makes historical connections tangible and combines knowledge with atmosphere. Discover this special city walk now and literally read Bielefeld's past along the way.

Official Channels of the City of Bielefeld:

Sources:

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