Strong interest despite the summer heat: large numbers of visitors at Architecture Day at the LernWerk Bocholt

The 2026 National Architecture Day was a resounding success for the LernWerk Bocholt. Last weekend, this striking educational and cultural venue opened its doors and, despite the very high summer temperatures, attracted numerous visitors with an interest in architecture to the historic building.

A key attraction for visitors was the expert guided tours led by the architect in charge, Manuel Heywinkel, which were met with an overwhelmingly positive response throughout. In total, around 150 people took part in the tours to gain exclusive insights into the planning phase, the construction process and the spatial qualities of the transformed complex. Interest in the project's development from the former spinning mill into a modern centre was so great that some guests even took part in the tours a second time so as not to miss any details.

Particularly pleasing for the organisers was the fact that the event attracted a diverse audience. Many locals took advantage of the weekend to get to know and experience the LernWerk all over again. At the same time, a considerable number of visitors from further afield found their way to Bocholt. Some visitors had travelled from considerable distances, including from Iserlohn, Hagen and even Stuttgart and Freiburg.

In addition to the architectural tours, the exhibition "Photographic Positions" - specially designed for this weekend - in the modern annexe, known as the 'Appendix', also attracted a great deal of interest. The exhibition, which explores the transformation of the site in an artistic and multi-layered way, attracted over 160 visitors - a slightly higher turnout than the tours of the main building.

Background: Architecture Day

In North Rhine-Westphalia, Architecture Day was celebrated for the 31st time. Since 1996, the event has attracted many thousands of architecture enthusiasts and those interested in building every year, who wish to learn about current design developments, innovative planning approaches and technical solutions relating to construction and housing, and to exchange ideas with the planners.