Das Hugenottenrathaus Neu-Isenburg – Designed for Democracy

The historic town centre defines the social, economic and cultural-democratic profile of the town. It is the focal point for everything that Neu-Isenburg stands for and represents, it is representative of the town as a whole, a place of identification and self-determined living.

Even today, defining characteristics are reflected in the cultural heritage, in buildings, in public spaces and also in events. The old town centre gives the city its USP, its individual image, its face; it is its calling card. The neighbourhood was designed for democracy. The historic centre is a real-life laboratory for democracy and ‘atmospheres for a better life’. How was democracy lived and defended back then? During the WDC 2026 programme in September, workshop-like events on participation and involvement will take place in the market square and in the buildings. Especially now, when democracy needs to be defended, there is a lack of insight to interest citizens in democratic development and to discuss and debate future areas of life that may change. Transformation can only happen together. The symbol of the democracy movement at that time – the 1:1 sculpture of the Huguenot Town Hall – stands in the market square. It will be on display in the market square in 2026 and will prompt the question: what constitutes democracy today and tomorrow? What attracted people who promised personal advancement, self-determination, asylum and economic success?

The project aims to make the democratic roots of Neu-Isenburg's historic town centre visible to citizens and visitors for four weeks and to create a lasting understanding that democracy is not a given, but must be fought for again and again. The mayor of the city will accompany the programme as patron and involve municipal institutions such as the city museum, city library, Hugenottenhalle, VHS Neu-Isenburg, other associations and parties.