Overview

• Gera’s national kick-off highlights the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum (KuK) as a well-preserved example retaining original interiors and technical equipment.
• The Gera city council voted unanimously this summer to preserve and renovate the KuK, with the mayor voicing support for safeguarding remaining DDR-era monuments.
• Organizers say about 6,000 sites in roughly 2,300 municipalities are participating nationwide, coordinated by the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz and delivered by local owners and heritage groups.
• Regional programs feature extensive access, including around 900 free sites in Baden‑Württemberg and a range of guided tours, exhibitions and special openings.
• Calls for conservation reference past losses and alterations such as Berlin’s Palast der Republik demolition in 2008 and the 2010 removal of a historic façade from Gera’s former SED headquarters.