Demokratie bauen!

Rathaustouren: Taunustour von Bad Soden über Eppstein nach Idstein und zurück

On this ambitious tour of the town halls in Bad Soden, Eppstein, and Idstein, you’ll see how the spaces of democracy have changed over time—and how they’ve been continually adapted to meet society’s evolving needs.

In Bad Soden, city archivist Dr. Christiane Schalles will lead a tour of the late-1950s town hall, a building that symbolizes both democratic and architectural renewal. However, as the city’s administrative responsibilities grew, the building quickly reached its limits and—following the administration’s move to a new building—is now on the verge of demolition (so this is one of the last chances to visit!). Monika Rohde-Reith, director of the Castle Museum and City Archives, will lead a tour of City Hall II in Eppstein, a building with an unusual history. Originally built as a school, designed in part by Robert Michel, it has been used as a town hall since 1968. With this conversion, the complex was expanded to include a community center. The result is a place that is far more than an administrative headquarters: a vibrant hub of community life. Finally, the Idstein Town Hall, dating from 1698, takes us even further back: to a time of pre-modern rule—and at the same time into the long history of its appropriation by the urban community. Britta Vogel, city archivist, vividly illustrates how the building has transformed over the centuries: from a seat of authoritarian power to a place of public order, shared decision-making, and active citizenship.

Cost: €12.50 / €7 for students, high school students, and apprentices
Start: Bad Soden Town Hall, End: Bad Soden Train Station
Registration required: Not yet available; please send a reservation request by email to info@krfrm.de

Town halls occupy a special place among public buildings. Since the Middle Ages, they have symbolized local self-government. In a democracy, many expectations are placed on their design: whether as representative structures of local democracy or as central hubs that foster identity and community. Here, the sovereign encounters itself, so to speak.

Several day-long excursions via public transit, bus, or bicycle connect town halls in both smaller and larger towns across the region. They span the history of town hall architecture from its origins in the Middle Ages to the present day. Local partners explain local stories and architectural features and lead visitors into the heart of the town halls: the council chambers.

Participation in the tours requires a small fee. The number of participants is limited, and registration is required. Registration can be made through KulturRegion and/or the contact listed below for each tour.