Poetry and music at Mühlau Cemetery 2026

On 25 July 2026, a contemplative afternoon of music and poetry took place at Mühlau Cemetery in Innsbruck, Austria, under the theme “The Moment of Eternity.”

About the event

On Saturday, 25 July 2026, visitors to Mühlau Cemetery in Innsbruck, Austria, enjoyed a contemplative and joyful afternoon centred on the theme “The Moment of Eternity.”

The programme featured music by Gabriele Goller, rhythmic drum and percussion accompaniment by Bernhard Noriller, and a mime performance by Franz Unger. Alexander Legniti and Paul Fülöp recited lyrical and poetic texts inspired by the evening theme. Participants also walked past the grave of the renowned Expressionist poet Georg Trakl, whose life and work were marked by the First World War.

With sunshine and a peaceful atmosphere, the afternoon brought together music, poetry and mime, creating an inspiring and memorable experience.

Poem

THE MOMENT OF ETERNITY
We
are part of eternity,
and eternity will last forever –
only we not – just never!
But the moment knows no bounds,
because it resonates eternity,
and that sounds
like our reality.

Legniti Alexander ©

Photos from the event

Meidling Cemetery's new walk, fit, and nature areas

The Meidling Cemetery in Vienna, Austria, now offers more nature, greater biodiversity, and more space for relaxation and wellbeing.

A space for remembrance, reflection, and active recreation

Vienna’s cemeteries have long been more than just places of remembrance. In Meidling Cemetery, a range of new offerings has now been introduced, placing a particular focus on physical activity, biodiversity, and nature-oriented burial practices. The recreational aspect is also being strengthened – not only for visitors, but also for wildlife and plant life.

New activities and more social interaction

Following the Silent-Run-route at the Central Cemetery, Meidling Cemetery now offers an 800-meter Silent-Walk-path as well as a Silent-Fit-area equipped with inclusive training devices. These are specially adapted for older people and are designed to improve balance, mobility, and muscle strength.

Those who prefer not to exercise but simply want to avoid loneliness can sit on one of three new chat-benches, inviting visitors to start a conversation.

Environment and wildlife

A total of 140 newly planted trees contribute to the new usage concept at Meidling Cemetery. It has long been known that cemeteries help relieve sewer systems, as their soils allow water to infiltrate. Temperatures there are also lower than in other urban areas. A 2023 study by the Austrian Institute of Technology demonstrated the scale of this effect: cemeteries can create a cooling impact of up to 0.8 degrees Celsius, which also extends to surrounding areas. Locally, ambient temperatures can even drop by up to three degrees.

A new natural burial site is expected to contribute, alongside the growing popularity of eco-friendly burial methods. On 50 m2 in Meidling, a shrub-grave-area for up to 120 urns has been created. Nearby are black steles where names can be engraved, as well as a hedge, which serves as a habitat for various animal species.

Among them is the strictly protected European hamster. Vienna’s cemeteries are among its last remaining refuges. Additional hamster islands – with shrubs, hideouts and water points – provide the animals with suitable habitats.

Whether through silent discos, open-air concerts, or new running routes, Vienna’s cemeteries have, for some time now, been offering a wide range of activities for the city’s residents. These innovative concepts will continue to be pursued in the future and are setting new benchmarks.

Silent Disco at Vienna Central Cemetery: Event Highlights

A unique experience where sound, space, and community came together.

About the Silent Disco Event

Friedhöfe Wien GmbH consciously embraces the extraordinary. With the first-ever silent disco held at Vienna Central Cemetery, the cemetery church became a place of celebration – quiet, respectful, and yet vividly alive. Equipped with headphones, people of all generations danced side by side, while the space itself remained free of amplified sound.

In this way, a new form of togetherness emerged – one that upholds dignity and respect for mourners while opening space for meaningful and memorable shared experiences.

The aim of the event was to encourage new perspectives in a place traditionally associated with silence and farewell.

The silent disco forms part of a broader range of initiatives through which Friedhöfe Wien has been reimagining Vienna Central Cemetery for several years as a space for art, culture, and social encounter. From urban gardening and sports programs to live music, the cemetery is increasingly being experienced as an open, multifaceted space for the living.

Dancing Until Dawn

The evening of 17 April 2026 marked a notable milestone in the history of Friedhöfe Wien GmbH. The cemetery church became the stage for an extraordinary cultural experience. Public response was overwhelming: Sold out two weeks in advance, the silent disco attracted around 500 guests and transformed the location into a vibrant hub of silent music, movement, and human connection for one night. The event was attended by numerous members of the media.

This innovative format was made possible by close and reliable collaboration with the responsible parish, whose support was essential to its successful implementation.

Event Photos

*Photos Copyright: SilentDisco

Willesden Jewish Cemetery (London, United Kingdom)

A prestigious Grade II listed Victorian garden cemetery and an active "House of Life" that chronicles over 150 years of Anglo-Jewish history.

About the Cemetery

Established in 1873, Willesden Jewish Cemetery was the first major project of the United Synagogue. Originally developed on former sheep-grazing land to serve London’s growing Jewish population—particularly those of German and Dutch origin—it quickly became the most prestigious Jewish burial ground in the United Kingdom.

For over 150 years, it has remained an active Orthodox cemetery, serving as a dignified final resting place for individuals from all walks of life. From religious leaders and philanthropists to artists and everyday community members, the cemetery serves as a living social record of migration, settlement, and the enduring contribution of the Jewish community to British life.

Architecture and Landscape

Willesden is a rare and exceptional example of a purpose-designed Victorian "garden cemetery." Its layout prioritizes order, tranquility, and dignity through broad avenues, curving paths, and mature trees that create a park-like atmosphere.

The architectural heart of the site features funerary buildings designed by Nathan Solomon Joseph, one of the most influential Anglo-Jewish architects of the 19th century. His work here is unique for its use of ecclesiastical references within a Jewish context. The monuments themselves range from modest headstones to elaborate memorials, featuring Hebrew inscriptions and bilingual epitaphs that document the community’s journey of acculturation and faith.

Cemetery Significance

Formally recognized as a historic park and garden of national importance, Willesden Jewish Cemetery marks a decisive moment in the institutional consolidation of Orthodox Jewish life in Britain. It is a strategic and symbolic landscape that reflects the shift of the Jewish community from the East End to London's northern and western suburbs.

The site’s significance is further enhanced by its high degree of integrity; despite the urban development of the surrounding area, the original Victorian core remains substantially intact. Through the House of Life project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the cemetery has been revitalized as a place where sacred traditions meet modern public engagement, conservation, and education.

Landmark for Local and International Visitors

Willesden Jewish Cemetery attracts a global audience, from international tourists visiting the grave of DNA pioneer Rosalind Franklin to those honoring the four Chief Rabbis interred here. As a premier site of the Jewish diaspora, it offers a profound look at migration and global history through its Grade II listed memorials and war graves.

Locally and nationally, it is cherished as a vibrant community hub where history meets environmental stewardship. Visitors of all backgrounds engage with the site through guided walks, biodiversity projects, and educational programs.

By blending its role as an active Orthodox burial ground with a commitment to being a welcoming "House of Life," the cemetery serves as a unique bridge between sacred tradition, Victorian landscape design, and contemporary public life.

Cemetery address

Willesden Jewish Cemetery (United Synagogue)
Beaconsfield Road
Willesden
London NW10 2JE
United Kingdom

Contacts

Phone: +44 (0)20 8459 6107
Email: heritage@theus.org.uk
Website: www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk

Basic data

Date of first burial: 5.10.1873
Cemetery area: 22ha
Approximate number of graves: 28.500
Approximate number of total yearly burials: 20

Silent Disco at Vienna’s Central Cemetery

Vienna Central Cemetery welcomes visitors to a unique cultural experience in an extraordinary setting on 17 April 2026.

About the event

On 17 April 2026, the Vienna Central Cemetery will host an unconventional cultural event that blends contemporary music with historic surroundings. Visitors will be invited to take part in a silent disco inside the Church of St Borromeo, one of the cemetery’s most remarkable architectural landmarks.

For one evening, the church’s main hall will be transformed into a dance floor while preserving the atmosphere of the space. Music will not be played through speakers; instead, participants will listen through wireless headphones, creating a shared yet quiet experience.

How the silent disco works

The event introduces an innovative format in which two DJs perform simultaneously, each broadcasting on a separate channel. Guests can switch between channels at any time, choosing their preferred style of music throughout the evening. The programme spans a wide range of genres, from electronic and house to hip-hop, pop, indie, and rock, alongside thematic selections inspired by the cemetery setting.

This headphone-based concept ensures that the surrounding environment remains undisturbed, allowing the venue to retain its contemplative character while accommodating a lively social event.

Reimagining the cemetery

The silent disco reflects a broader trend of reinterpreting historic cemeteries as places not only of remembrance, but also of cultural engagement. In recent years, the Vienna Central Cemetery has expanded its role through a variety of initiatives that encourage visitors to experience the site in new ways.

By introducing formats such as the silent disco, the organisers aim to create opportunities for community, dialogue, and cultural participation while maintaining respect for the site’s primary function and significance.

Key details

Date: Friday, 17 April 2026
Time: 8.00 pm – 2.00 am
Venue: St Borromeo Cemetery Church, Vienna Central Cemetery | Main entrance Gate 2, Simmeringer Hauptstraße 234, 1110 Vienna

Tickets are available at: www.silentdisco.at/events-tickets
Further information: www.friedhoefewien.at/silent-disco

Book: “Studi sul Cimitero monumentale di Pesaro”

A book that explores the Monumental cemetery of Pesaro as a cultural landmark, blending history, architecture, and collective memory.

About the book

The book "Studi sul Cimitero monumentale di Pesaro" (ISBN eBook 9791281782372), edited by Riccardo Paolo Uguccioni, offers a multidisciplinary exploration of Pesaro’s monumental cemetery, examining it not only as a burial site but as a layered cultural landmark where history, architecture, and social memory intersect.

Based on the contributions presented at the eponymous conference held on 16 October 2024 in Pesaro, the book highlights how the cemetery reflects the city’s evolving identity, commemorates notable figures, and embodies a heritage that bridges private remembrance with collective memory.

The digital edition of the book in Italian is available HERE.

WDEC 2025 in Berlin

Explore the program of events taking place at various cemeteries in Berlin during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2025 and later on.

23-24 May 2025

Be the first bird - Bird listening at St. Elisabeth II

• About the event: A nature education program for families, including an overnight stay.
• Schedule: Friday, 23 May at 17:00 to Saturday, 24 May at 08:00
• Location: Cemetery Chapel of St. Elisabeth II
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

23 May 2025

JAMES TURRELL - Light Art Presentation

• About the event: An art exhibition accompanied by an introductory lecture in German and English, held from Friday to Sunday at sunset (start times vary).
• Schedule: Friday, 23 May at 20:45
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

24 May 2025

For all eternity - A tour of the Dorotheenstädt Cemetery

• About the event: A guided tour exploring the history and significance of one of Berlin’s most renowned cemeteries.
• Schedule: Saturday, 24 May from 11:00 to 13:00
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

30-31 May 2025

Be the first bird - Bird listening at St. Elisabeth II

• About the event: A nature education program for families, including an overnight stay.
• Schedule: Friday, 30 May at 17:00 to Saturday, 31 May at 08:00 
• Location: Cemetery Chapel of St. Elisabeth II
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

31 May 2025

JAMES TURRELL - Light Art Presentation

• About the event: An art exhibition accompanied by an introductory lecture in German and English, held from Friday to Sunday at sunset (start times vary).
• Schedule: Saturday, 31 May at 20:45
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

1 June 2025

Guided tour of the Dorotheenstädt Cemetery

• About the event: Discover the stories and resting places of notable figures on a guided tour through this historic cemetery.
• Schedule: Sunday, 1 June at 15:00
• Location: Dorotheenstädt Cemetery I
• Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
• More information: https://evfbs.de/

More to come

Additional events are published on the website of the Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center: https://evfbs.de.

Guided tour “In the Embrace of Silence”

On November 7, 2024, the Dubovac Catholic Cemetery hosted a guided tour titled "In the Embrace of Silence", part of the Karlovac Fog Festival.

About the event

An invitation to a tourist walk through the Catholic Cemetery Dubovac, under the title "In the Embrace of Silence", might typically evoke expectations of historical and cultural monuments and stories told along the cemetery paths. However, when this walk is held during the week of the Fog Festival, in one of Croatia's foggiest cities, it is clear that it won’t be an ordinary event.

Katzler Pavilion, in collaboration with the Karlovac Tourist Board and the Karlovac County Tourist Guides Association "Bastion", with the support of the Karlovac company "Zelenilo", included a cemetery tour in the Festival program, starting at dusk, when darkness had already taken hold and the cemetery is rarely visited. The goal was to evoke in and around the visitors a mood of silence and peace, free from daytime distractions, while opening their eyes wide to see not only what is there but also what might not be visible, yet is possible.

Although one might think that darkness in an unlit cemetery would be an obstacle, in this case, it became a unifying force, connecting everyone in a mystical story rooted in the real lives of those who rest there forever. Every story matters, regardless of how "significant" someone was in life. And when these stories are wrapped in the foggy veil nature gifted us that evening, all our senses become more attuned, receiving stimuli we are otherwise unaware of.

The walk itself, through the cemetery in the evening hours, was mysterious enough. Visits to the All Saints Chapel and the Vranyczany-Dobrinović Mausoleum, made possible by "Zelenilo" and the mausoleum’s caretakers, added extra value to the entire tour. Many participants recognized this and left with smiles and satisfaction after the 90-minute journey.

We can confidently say that the mission, vision, purpose, and goals of the Fog Festival—increasing the visibility of Karlovac on the world tourist map through education, competition, connecting all tourism stakeholders in the city, raising awareness among Karlovac residents about the potential of their city, revitalizing the post-season, pushing boundaries and breaking the framework of established events—were successfully achieved. And all thanks to the great enthusiasm of the organizers, who back in 2018 launched the first jar of "Karlovac Fog", a souvenir of a guerrilla marketing campaign whose goal was the same as the goal of the Fog Festival - to increase the visibility of Karlovac. Back then, Morana Rožman, introducing the jar of Karlovac fog, warned everyone to be careful. If the jar was carelessly opened, the fog would spread and envelop us all. Clearly, someone did just that, and now we belong to it—foggy and mysterious. And we fear nothing—not even an evening walk through the cemetery.

Text by Ivančica Šebalj
Photos by Demjan Rožman

*The original text in Croatian can be found HERE.

Invitation to the 3rd Virtual Colloquium on cemeteries

The Cemetery Research Group invites you to participate in the 3rd Virtual Colloquium on cemeteries, taking place on 15th November 2024 via Zoom.

About the event

On Friday, 15th November 2024, a virtual colloquium organized by the Cemetery Research Group will take place via the Zoom platform.

The main theme is cemeteries and death practices, focusing on how burial and commemoration customs intersect with social, cultural, and political changes across different countries and historical periods. Speakers from around the world will address a range of subjects, including the transformation of funeral practices, the architectural and legal aspects of cemeteries, and the evolving role of cemeteries in urban settings.

This year's keynote speaker is professor Andrew Kipnis, who has written extensively on funeral practices in China. His presentation, titled "Ghosts, Urbanization, and Strangers in China and Hong Kong", will offer insightful perspectives on these themes.

The full programme with the list of speakers and their topics is available HERE.

Registration details

Attendance at the virtual colloquium is free of charge, but registration is required to secure your spot and receive Zoom invitations to the sessions you wish to attend.

To register, please complete the form at this LINK. Deadline for registration is 8th November 2023.

For any additional questions, please contact Dr. Julie Rugg at julierugg36@gmail.com.

*Photo source: https://www.cemeteryresearch.org/events/

Study day and book presentation of Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery

You are cordially invited to the study day and book presentation of Memento Mori III, which will take place on October 24, 2024, in Nossegem, Belgium.

Study day and book presentation

The Memento Mori III project managers invite you to participate in a study day and the presentation of the book Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery. The event will take place on October 24, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM in Nossegem, Belgium.

Participation is free of charge, but due to limited seating, registration is required. Please register by emailing boekvoorstelling@memento-mori.be.

You can find the event program and additional information HERE.

About the book

Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery, edited by Tamara Ingels and Joeri Mertens, is the latest book in the Memento Mori series.

This book offers insights into historical research, heritage, green cemeteries, and the funerary landscape, all while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The authors share knowledge and practical experiences, providing sustainable tips for readers. Memento Mori III seeks to engage readers in the sustainability debate surrounding cemeteries, fostering ongoing growth, development, and reflection on these critical topics.

The book will be available for purchase at the event, or you can order it online. More details about the book project can be found at this LINK.

New Guillotière Cemetery at WorldSkills Lyon 2024

As part of the WorldSkills 2024 event, the Municipality of Lyon will host two workshops at the New Guillotière Cemetery in Lyon, France.

About the WorldSkills event

WorldSkills is an international competition that brings together young professionals from around the globe to showcase their expertise in a variety of skilled trades and vocational disciplines. It serves as a platform to promote global standards in education and industry skills. This year, the event will take place in Lyon, France, from September 10 to 15, 2024, featuring competitions, workshops, and exhibitions that highlight technical and vocational skills.

Workshops at the New Guillotière Cemetery

As part of the WorldSkills 2024 event and the company open days on September 13 and 14, the Municipality of Lyon, a member of ASCE, will host two unique workshops at the New Guillotière Cemetery in Lyon, France.

The first workshop invites attendees to stroll through the cemetery's tranquil paths, where they will discover famous tombs, renaturation efforts, and various traces of history with the help of a dedicated guide using the mobile app ARtour.

While the cemetery itself is a place of beauty and history, the work behind the scenes is equally vital. The second workshop focuses on the administrative side of cemetery management, offering a rare glimpse into the services and professions that are sometimes hidden from public view.

For additional information, please contact vincent.tripier@mairie-lyon.fr.

Cemeteries as versatile places of learning

The Guillotière Nouveau Cemetery’s participation in WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is a testament to the diverse educational opportunities cemeteries offer. Beyond their traditional role, cemeteries serve as valuable resources for learning about art, history, architecture, flora, and fauna. Additionally, they provide insights into various professions and skills and demonstrate how modern technology can be effectively used to enrich the learning experience.

Poetry and music at Mühlau Cemetery 2024

On June 15, 2024, the event “Living in the light of eternity” took place at the Cemetery of Mühlau in Innsbruck, Austria.

About the event

On June 15, 2024, a unique poetry reading event titled "Living in the Light of Eternity" was held at the Cemetery of Mühlau in Innsbruck, Austria. The event commenced at 20:00 with readings of texts by Paul Fülöp and poems by Alexander Legniti.

Accompanying the readings were musical performances by Gabriele Goller on the flute and Hesen Berzencî on the Oud lute. Adding a silent yet expressive element to the evening, pantomime artist Franz Unger performed without uttering a word.

It was a very special event and everyone present really enjoyed being part of it.

WDEC 2024 at cemeteries in Berlin

Explore the varied program of events that will take place in different cemeteries in Berlin in May and June 2024.

Friday, May 24th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, May 25th

➤ Herbal tours with Silke Schoppe
Location: Old Cemetery St. Marien – St. Nikolai
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Sound in the light - Music at the blue hour
Location: Chapel at the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, May 26th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ VHS offer: Birdwatching tour at Bergmannstrasse cemeteries
Location: Trinity Cemetery II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Tuesday, May 28th

➤ Nature-based after-work walk with NABU
Location: Old Luisenstadt Cemetery
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, May 29th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, May 31st

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, June 1st

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, June 2nd

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Guided tour of the Old Luisenstadt Cemetery with Jakob Preuss
Location: Old Luisenstadt Cemetery
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, June 5th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, June 7th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, June 8th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - cemetery of course!
Nature discoveries and practical tips.
Location: Old Luisenstadt Cemetery
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Music from the 13th and 17th centuries - played by the Trecento group
Location: Chapel at Friedrichswerder Cemetery, Kreuzberg
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, June 9th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - Cemetery habitat - tour with Ronald Kroth (NABU)
Environmental education, nature conservation and art in the cemeteries on Seestrasse.
Location: Cemeteries St. Johannis II - Nazareth I - St. Paul
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - Rainwater management and climate adaptation measures in cemeteries
Location: Georgen-Parochial Cemetery II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Guided tour with Uwe Lüdemann through the Cemetery Trinity II in Bergmannstrasse
Location: Cemetery Trinity II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Long day of urban nature - A paradise for bees
Environmental education at the cemetery.
Location: Cemetery Dorotheenstadt III
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, June 12th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, June 14th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Saturday, June 15th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ The art of farewell - Art therapy for those who mourn
Location: Cemetery Chapel at Friedrichswerder Cemetery, Kreuzberg
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Sunday, June 16th

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery tours in front of Hallesches Tor with Norbert Haag
Location: Cemeteries at Hallesches Tor
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Wednesday, June 19th

➤ Guided tours of the Brecht-Weigel Museum through the Dorotheenstadt Cemetery
Location: Inner courtyard of the Brecht House
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

Friday, June 21st

➤ JAMES TURRELL - Light art presentation
Art exhibition with introductory lecture in German and English from Friday to Sunday at sunset (changing start times).
Location: Dorotheenstadt Cemetery I
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

➤ Cemetery night at Sophien II
Cultural program and illuminations until sunset.
Location: Cemetery Sophien II
Organizer: Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center
Further information at https://evfbs.de/

"Cimitero dal Vivo": a unique way to discover Ravenna's Historic Cemetery

An innovative format that includes a digital game R-Tales, a new digital map, and a live show with music, theater, and performance.

Cemeteries as living spaces

Playing in a historic cemetery may seem transgressive, but you can do it, you must. This was precisely the goal set by Panda Project's "Cimitero dal Vivo" (eng. "Cemetery Live"), winner of the PNRR TOCC Call for Proposals Digital Transition Cultural and Creative Bodies funded by the European Union - Next Generation EU.

In December 2022, Emilia Romagna was the first region in Italy that passed a law for the "Recognition and Enhancement of Monumental and Historic Cemeteries", with the aim of ensuring the enhancement, preservation and promotion of these assets, encouraging their use by citizens.

In England, cemeteries are living places, where it is possible to walk, read, study or have a picnic with friends. The northern European cemeteries provide a different way of being with the deceased. The Assistens Cemetery in Copenhagen, for example, is not experienced as a place of sadness but of recreation, and it is not uncommon to see people sunbathing.

About the project

The "Cimitero dal Vivo" project, carried out in 2024, aims to regenerate the entire Darsena district and is based on an innovative format for visiting Ravenna's Historic Cemetery that makes use of new digital tools and immersive audio. The project created the urban digital game R-Tales, a new digital map, and a live show that combines music, theater, and performance creating a unique and unforgettable experience.

How does the game work? Davide Leone, Soc. Coop U'Game, explains: "The purpose of the R-Tales game is to help a mysterious soul find himself by confronting four exciting missions that recount as many important events in the city's history. You will discover, through the deceased voices of the main characters the adventure of Giuseppe Garibaldi and the exploits of Romolo Gessi, the mystery of Dante's bones, the quarrel between the most important orchestra conductor of the time and Giuseppe Verdi over the love of a soprano."

The map and urban game are part of a series of interactive online paths that take us through emotional-collective memories to discover the characters buried at the cemetery who made the city's history, such as Luigi Rasi and Filippo Mordani. They immerse us in the mysteries hidden among the graves and the artistic wonders of the Monumental Cemetery.

The importance of the project

"Monumental places in our city have always inspired artists," says Ravenna Culture Councillor Fabio Sbaraglia, "They have stimulated projects capable of placing diverse spot lights on spaces we are fond of or used to hang out at. Panda Project, with a special look and a deep and conscious respect, investigates the history of our historic cemetery through a project that embraces the entire dock area and connects with the urban regeneration experiences that our city has undertaken over the years."

"Historic cemeteries are magical places and they are free: A historical, cultural and green heritage that must be enhanced and not left to decay. We need to change the paradigm: we must give historic cemeteries a new meaning and people a new way of approaching them and approaching death," explains Delia Trice of Panda Project.

Matteo Pini of Spazi Indecisi, who created the project's graphic identity and the new mapping, tells of their involvement: "The sensations conveyed by the Historic Cemetery immediately pushed the work of Spazi Indecisi toward a concept related to contrasts: the most recurrent dualism (life/death) is materialized symbolically through the anomalous, borderline location that contrasts monumental and industrial architecture, widening the point of view, nature and anthropization, land and water. The intention is to highlight the cemetery's values of memory, rest and tranquility, in which the natural presence of trees and water mitigates that of some Gothic novel settings, arousing in the visitor a sense of fascination rather than disquiet. Hence the choices of lettering, more friendly than austere, and of a high-contrast color palette, which combines cool tones of blue with the industrial buildings, and warm tones of yellow and red with the cemetery. Also evident between the lines is a reference to the heraldic colors of the city of Ravenna and an admiring reference to "Deserto Rosso" (M. Antonioni, 1964) in the choice of the color of the pine trees."

Project participants

A great contribution to the project was that of Sguardi in Camera, an association specializing in private visual archives (family films and photographs). For the "Cimitero dal Vivo" project, it oversaw the research and collection of oral testimonies of teenagers.

Frame Lab - UniBo and Penelope Muratori, who worked on text verification, writing and video material creation for the project, produced a narrative in images that takes us inside the experience created by the game.

Link to the video: https://vimeo.com/910792719

Panda Project contacts:

info@pandaproject.it
+39 347 0743593

The longest outdoor gallery in Vienna

A large photo exhibition, created as part of the project "Biodiversity in the Cemetery", is now on display at the Vienna Central Cemetery.

About the exhibition

Vienna Central Cemetery now offers a new attraction: Peter Hanke, City Councillor for Finance, Economy, and Vienna Municipal Utilities, along with Renate Niklas, the Managing Director of Friedhöfe Wien GmbH, opened the longest outdoor gallery in Vienna. It shows animal photographs that were created as part of the research project "Biodiversity at the Cemetery".

The research project was initiated more than two years ago by the University of Vienna in collaboration with Friedhöfe Wien GmbH. Over time, extensive data on animals, plants, and fungi were collected, and fascinating photographs were produced. The exhibition of these images now makes the diverse wildlife on the city's cemeteries visible to all visitors of Vienna Central Cemetery.

Importance of cemeteries for city's climate

"The area of the 46 municipal cemeteries constitutes about 1.2% of the entire city's area. This is roughly equivalent to the size of the 20th district of Vienna. The design of these areas has a significant impact on the city's climate and also serves as an important habitat. We are proud to protect the areas of the 46 municipal cemeteries and the animals that inhabit them to the best of our ability. Vienna's longest outdoor gallery shows in pictures the extent of biodiversity on Vienna's cemeteries," emphasized Hanke.

Renate Niklas expressed her gratitude for the excellent collaboration with the University of Vienna and project leader Thomas Filek: "The interim results underscore the importance of detailed design even in these spaces. People who have a grave on our cemeteries, plant and maintain it with greenery, make a significant contribution to flora and fauna, as well as the city's climate."

Sustainability measures have been derived from the research results, such as the creation of deadwood corners for insects and small animals. The gallery itself is also sustainable: The scaffolding was crafted from local larch wood anchored in the ground with earth spikes.

Excursion with an educational mission

The images displayed in the gallery highlight the growing importance of protected habitats and retreats for animals in an increasingly urbanized environment. All people – Viennese residents, families, school and kindergarten groups, as well as tourists – can visit the gallery until approximately mid-2024. Admission is free.

The longest outdoor gallery in Vienna begins at the entrance to Gate 2 at Vienna Central Cemetery. It leads along two green strips to the Cemetery Church of Saint Karl Borromäus.

The cooling potential of cemeteries

The gallery as a destination for excursions emphasizes that cemeteries are more than just burial sites. Their design has a significant impact on the environment, from reducing tropical nights to the potential for rainwater infiltration. Recently, the results of an AIT study on the cooling potential of cemeteries were published. More information is available HERE.