Haus der Geschichte or “House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany” is part of the Museumsmeile and displays more than 7000 exhibits all relating Germany’s past. Unlike other museums Haus der Geschichte makes history interesting. It presents Germany’s history in such a way that it rouses the interest of even small children.

Historical objects, artifacts, historical films, photos, caricatures, a cartoon gallery, works of German history, tonal documents and busts are just few of the items included in the display. You can check them all out in this modern museum. Germany’s culture, society, economic and political state from post 1945 to the present is represented here.

A congratulatory letter from former US president Bill Clinton also adorns one of its walls. Helmuth Ellgaard finds a large amount of mention in the exhibits. An authentic railway saloon car and parts of the Berlin Wall are the most popular exhibits of his.

Architects Ingeborg and Hartmut Rüdiger from Braunschweig are responsible for the building’s structure which is as large as 22,000 square meters. The museum’s objective is not just to display historical objects but to make its visitors actually experience the past and to fulfill this purpose it organizes a number of events and conventions. It even organizes tours of the Palais Schaumburg, the Chancellor’s bungalow and the former place of the Federal Assembly

It is located north of the Kunstmuseum Bonn and the Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland and is not very difficult to reach due to its eminence.

Timings are from 09:00am to 07:00pm, from Tuesday to Friday and from 10:00 am to 08:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bonn lies on the river Rhine some 20 km south of Cologne. The city remains a popular choice for large-scale exhibitions, conferences, street culture with many cafes and beer gardens in the summer. When in Bonn, you can also visit the August-Macke-Haus, a museum dedicated to the expressionist painter August Macke. The museum displays reconstructed interiors and holds exhibitions regularly on topics focusing on Expressionism.

Carl Heinrich Gerhardt, the father of August Macke’s wife Elisabeth, purchased the house in 1884 to store the archives of his firm next door. The house had been built in 1877/78 in late classicist style. After Gerhardt’s death Macke urged his mother-in-law, who had inherited the house, to remodel the attic as a studio for him. At the urging of son-in-law August and following his design, Sophie had the top floor redone as an artist’s studio. In 1911, Macke, his wife, Elisabeth, and their son moved in.

The artist completed more than 400 paintings while living in the house. ). Looking out from the windows of the house, and especially from those of his studio, Macke observed, sketched, and painted life on the streets below and – again and again – the house’s magnificent garden.

The August Macke Haus was opened to the public on September 26, 1991 in a ceremony attended by North-Rhine/Westphalia Minister-President Johannes Rau. In addition to the studio with paintings by August Macke and furniture used by him in Tegernsee, the house contains an archive of Rhenish Expressionism and a reference library.

The house regularly holds exhibitions on topics connected with Rhenish Expressionism and these exhibitions are documented in a catalogue series published by the Verein August Macke Haus. In the few years since its inception, the Museum August Macke Haus has established itself as an internationally recognized center for research on Rhenish Expressionism.

Though Bonn pulsates with festivals all the year round, the months between November and April need special mention, because of the carnivals. You can get more information about various festivals and events in the monthly listings magazines De Schnuss and Bonner Illustrierte, which are available at any newsagent. Some of the major festivals of Bonn are:

Karneval:
This festival generally falls on 11 November, the begin of the ‘fifth season’, and between Weiberfastnacht and Rosenmontag in February. The best parties are in Bonn Beuel at Bahnhöfchen and Rheinlust .

Rhein in Flammen:
This festival usually falls on the first Saturday in May and the best celebrations are in Rheinauen, where a big fair with music and food stalls is held. You can also book a ship tour on Rhine.

Beethovenfes:
This is a month long music festival in September which features numerous concerts with many international musicians.

Pützchens Markt:
This five day long big fun fair with approximately 500 businesses is held in Bonn’s suburb Pützchen in September from the 9^th to the 14^th.

Christmas Market:
This festival starts at the end of November at Münsterplatz and Friedensplatz and the streets in between.

Being at the right place amidst the heart of celebrations is not a big deal in Bonn as the city has an excellent bus, night bus, tram and subway system operated by the local Stadtwerke Bonn. However, the tourists are advised to book their hotels in advance as the city gets crowded during festival season.