All tours in Krefeld

Krefeld

The Silk Barons' Secret: Mies van der Rohe in Krefeld

5.7 km157 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step beyond the velvet ropes of Krefeld's high society and uncover a hidden architectural revolution. In the late 1920s, two wealthy silk barons made a decision that shocked their conservative peers: they hired an avant-garde architect named Mies van der Rohe. Join Clara, a skeptical urban explorer, and Pablo, a passionate architectural historian, as they decode the tension between traditional brick facades and the radical, flowing steel-framed spaces hidden within. This is a story of wealth, war, utopian design, and the courage to build the future.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Bockumer Platz

The leafy, historic center of Bockum, establishing the wealthy context of Krefeld's Silk Barons.

Bockumer Platz

Pic by Schmidti 1977 on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

2.91 km • 45 min
During your walk

Interlude

A deep dive into Mies van der Rohe's philosophy of Sachlichkeit and the tension of hidden modernism.

2

STOP 2

Wilhelmshofallee Approach

Walking up Krefeld's 'Millionaire's Row', setting the stage for the architectural departure.

Wilhelmshofallee Approach

Pic by Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.06 km • 1 min
3

STOP 3

Haus Lange

The primary masterpiece commissioned by Hermann Lange, featuring a deceptive brick facade and hidden steel framework.

Haus Lange

Pic by Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.06 km • 1 min
4

STOP 4

Haus Esters

The neighboring villa commissioned by Josef Esters, showcasing subtle architectural variations and personal dynamics.

Haus Esters

Pic by Raimond Spekking on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

2.53 km • 39 min
During your walk

Interlude

An exploration of the moral complexity of Verseidag's industrial success during the Nazi era.

5

STOP 5

Sollbrüggenpark

A traditional English landscape park contrasting with Mies's geometric, functionalist gardens.

Sollbrüggenpark

Pic by Ltdrprdc on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.11 km • 2 min
6

END

Haus Sollbrüggen

A classic 19th-century historicist mansion, illustrating the ornate architecture Mies rebelled against.

Haus Sollbrüggen

Pic by Ltdrprdc on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Architecture enthusiasts, design lovers, history buffs, and urban explorers interested in the hidden narratives of modernism.
  • Best time Daytime, preferably in the late morning or early afternoon when the sunlight highlights the architectural details and the parks are vibrant.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as we will be strolling through parks and long avenues.
  • Museum access Haus Lange and Haus Esters are now museums. Check their opening hours in advance if you wish to go inside after the tour.
  • Pacing Take your time on the interludes. You can pause the audio and grab a coffee if you need a break.
  • Weather Bring an umbrella if the forecast looks gray; the Rhineland weather can be unpredictable.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Clara Vogt
Audio sample
0:000:00

Clara Vogt

  • Art, Design & Aesthetics
  • Portugal

Art and design lover. Discovers beauty in the everyday and connects street art, fashion, and architecture.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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