Raketenstation Insel Hombroich, Neuss

HISTORY OF RAKETENSTATION | FROM COLD WAR TO CULTURE

The Raketenstation Hombroich (Missile Station) serves as an architectural extension of the nearby Museum Insel Hombroich. Together, they form a unique cultural ecosystem in Neuss, Germany, where history, architecture, and nature coexist.

Here is how the historic transformation and architectural layout shape this space:
– NATO Missile Base: During the Cold War, the 13-hectare site served as an active NATO air defense command center equipped with Nike-Hercules missiles.
– The Transition (1994): Real estate developer and art patron Karl-Heinrich Müller purchased the abandoned military property. His goal was to redevelop it into a „Space-Place-Laboratory“ (RaumOrtLabor).
– Preservation Strategy: Instead of erasing the past, the architects integrated existing military hangars, watchtowers, and bunkers into the artistic layout

The site features a curated mix of repurposed military structures and minimalist, geometric buildings designed by renowned international architects and sculptors:
– Erwin Heerich: The German sculptor designed several buildings on the grounds, including the striking Archive and Library building. His brick structures are conceived as „walk-in sculptures“ that strictly follow geometric proportions.
– Raimund Abraham: The Austrian-American architect designed the prominent House for Musicians (Haus für Musiker). It features a large, hovering concrete circular disk that sits atop living and recording spacce.

GUEST STAYS

As a place of production, an open laboratory and a working environment for artists and researchers, the Raketenstation also offers a space for residences and fellowship programmes. This means that international artists live and work for one or two months in the Gastatelier and the One Man House. These stays, which take place throughout the entire year, are not subject to any conditions. All residencies are by invitation only from artists based in Hombroich. Applications for guest residencies are not possible.

Open Guest Studios and the Field Institute Hombroich
Guests are welcome to give insights into their work processes as part of an Offenes Gastatelier or in the newly renovated Field Institute Hombroich. However, they are free to structure their stay as they wish, without any obligation to produce or present any output or insights.

Selection Process
– By Invitation Only: All residencies are strictly assigned via invitation from artists already based at Hombroich.
– No Open Calls: Direct applications or unsolicited requests for guest residencies are not accepted

Living and Working

– Duration: Stays last between one to two months throughout the year.

– Environment: Artists use the spaces as a quiet working environment and a cross-disciplinary experimental field.

Artists in ResidenceDurationDisciplinesLanguages

Anna Schütten Judith Anna Schmidt

1-2 month

All disciplines of fine art and musicAll disciplines of fine art and music

GermanEnglishGerman, English

Artists in Residence

Anna Schütten Judith Anna Schmidt

Duration

1-2 month