The Bilker Bunker: art, culture and creativity in historic architecture

Air-raid shelter number 25 - sounds like a secret code name from a spy thriller, but is in fact the old high-rise bunker that you will find on the corner of Aachener Straße and Karolingerstraße. The bunker's history began in 1942, when architect Carl Krieger had a shelter built to serve as a place of refuge for the population during the Second World War. At the end of the war, it became part of a civil defense program and was later even converted into a "nuclear-proof" retreat. But a lot changed after the Cold War and the bunker was put up for sale. A colorful chapter followed when the bunker was painted by an international group of artists in 1995. In 2013, the bunker was to make way for a housing project, but committed citizens fought for its preservation and achieved listed building status. Now, over 75 years later, the Bilker Bunker is opening its doors once again to tell a story - from shelter to open space, from past to innovation. Here, the past is creatively reinterpreted.

Behind the solid concrete walls, an innovative contact zone for creative expression and social exchange unfolds. As a living cultural institution, it opens its doors to everyone to experience history, rewrite it and give free rein to ideas. The floors of the bunker offer a fascinating variety:

Second basement floor: Flexible rooms for music, yoga, training and coaching, which can be rented online by the hour.
First basement floor: The "Schleuse Zwei" music bar brings DJ evenings, live performances and concerts to the bunker setting.
First floor and second floor: Changing contemporary art formats and an experimental cultural program that allow the architecture and history of the site to enter into a lively dialogue.
Second floor: Secure bicycle garage and the Bilker Bunker gGmbH office.third and fourth floors: Showrooms for fashion, design and lifestyle, where creative professionals can present their projects.
Fifth and sixth floors: Architectural highlights - spectacular residential units in a modern ambience.

Our highlight in the Bilker Bunker is "Schleuse 2" - a place where music and atmosphere merge perfectly. The term "music bar" definitely doesn't do justice to "Schleuse 2", because it is an experience that extends beyond an evening at the bar. Düsseldorf still lacks a stage program like this, with live performances and concerts by many special artists! With its industrial charm and underground flair, "Schleuse 2" also offers the ideal setting to immerse yourself in the music, switch off and let yourself drift. Whether you're team dancefloor or team bar - you'll definitely be spending a few more evenings here. "Schleuse 2" is the pulsating heartbeat of the Bilker Bunker, inviting you to celebrate life with like-minded people and friends! Tickets & the upcoming program can be found here.