The exhibition "Churches as Third Places. Perspectives on Transformation" by Building Culture NRW examines the adaptive reuse of sacred buildings threatened by vacancy or demolition. From April 1-29, 2026, the exhibition will be on view at St. Bonifatius Church in Aachen. The opening takes place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6 p.m. and explores perspectives for the future use of St. Bonifatius under the title "From Sacred Space to Community Space" through impulse presentations, film, and discussion. Additionally, architecture students from Aachen University of Applied Sciences and Munich University of Applied Sciences will present their design studies on St. Bonifatius.

Through video interviews, the exhibition illustrates the breadth and diversity of stakeholders involved in adaptive reuse processes and their perspectives. The exhibition also features 27 examples of churches already converted to new uses throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. Between 30 and 50 percent of church buildings in Germany will stand vacant in the coming decades. Of approximately 6,000 churches in North Rhine-Westphalia, up to 3,000 may fall out of use. This church vacancy and demolition problem stands in stark contrast to society's growing need for spaces that foster social exchange, community, and collective identity.

Duration: April 1-29, 2026
Exhibition venue: St. Bonifatius Church, Mataréstraße 12, 52078 Aachen
Hours: Wednesdays: 4 to 7 p.m.; Fridays: 4 to 7 p.m. Exhibition opening: Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 6 p.m.

www.baukultur.nrw