UNESCO World Heritage - Landtag in the castle opens for World Heritage decision
The decision of UNESCO on the inclusion of the Residenzensemble Schwerin in the World Heritage List is eagerly anticipated in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's state capital. The Landtag in the Schloss has announced that the Plenary Hall will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 AM to 2:30 PM. Guided tours of the Landtag section in the Schloss are also scheduled. The Schlossmuseum will offer free admission on both days.
In the Plenary Hall, the Landtag will broadcast the decision live from New Delhi. According to the city administration, there will be a public livestream in the Demmlersaal of the Old Town Hall. Mayor Rico Badenschier (SPD) plans to follow the decision, but the exact timing is still unclear.
Live-Broadcast from New Delhi
To shorten the waiting time, videos about Schwerin Castle and its usage, as well as possibly short introductory films from the UNESCO conference, will be shown in the Plenary Hall. "Moderators will accompany the events," it was stated. Employees of the Landtag administration will reportedly be available for explanations. Members of the Schlossverein plan to contribute to a festive atmosphere in historical costumes.
"We are all eagerly waiting and a little excited for the signal from New Delhi," said Landtag President Birgit Hesse. The decision is of great significance for the city as well as for the state. Since autumn 2007, the Landtag and Parliamentary Administration have been accompanying the journey of the Residenzensemble Schwerin towards a potential World Heritage Status. The idea of designating Schwerin as a World Heritage Site is over 20 years old.
From the Schloss to the Hofwäscherei
Schwerin Castle and 36 other buildings and facilities in the historic city center form the Residenzensemble. It reaches as far as the main train station with its once-reserved royal chambers. The Marstall, which now houses ministries, theater, museum, but also the former Hofwäscherei and the building of the grand ducal linen and bed chamber are still preserved. The cathedral and the Schelfkirche served as burial places for the dukes.
On the list of World Heritage Sites are, from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Hanseatic towns of Wismar and Stralsund. The status of World Natural Heritage have ancient beech forests in the Müritz National Park and on the island of Rügen.
- The anticipation for UNESCO's decision on Schwerin's Residenzensemble's inclusion in the World Heritage List is high in the cultural scene of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's state capital.
- Visitors can attend the live broadcast of the UNESCO decision from New Delhi in the Demmlersaal of the Old Town Hall on Sunday.
- In preparation for possibly waiting for the decision, educational videos about Schwerin Castle and UNESCO conference introductory films will be shown in the Plenary Hall during the weekend.
- If Schwerin's Residenzensemble is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it would join sites like Wismar and Stralsund in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and ancient beech forests in the Müritz National Park and Rügen on the list.
- On weekends, the Landtag in Schwerin offers tours of the Schloss, with guided visits to the Plenary Hall at no cost, promoting cultural education and appreciation for the city's rich history.
