LICHTraum 2026

Herne and its Church Landscape

Herne is an independent city in the central Ruhr area (Arnsberg administrative district), historically shaped by hard coal mining and, together with Wanne-Eickel, which belongs to the city, one of the densest sacred building landscapes in the Ruhr area. The Catholic churches — predominantly brick buildings from the late industrialization period (late 19th, early 20th century) — form a special urban substance. LICHTraum 2026 intervenes precisely in this architecture: 12 Herne churches will become exhibition spaces for three months.

Ludger Hinse and his Concept of Light

Ludger Hinse is a miner's son who became an internationally renowned artist. Born in Herne, he has never lost his roots and returns to his home region with LICHTraum 2026. His artistic trademark: light sculptures made of acrylic glass, metal, and mirror surfaces that capture, refract, reflect, and set the incident light — daylight and artificial lighting — in motion in the perception of the visitors. In the sacred space, which is historically charged with light symbolism (Holy Spirit, creation, redemption) anyway, this work gains particular depth.

15 Light Objects at 12 Locations

Hinse has created a total of 15 light objects for LICHTraum 2026, which will be distributed across 12 locations. The exhibition comprises a total of 35 works — additional pictures, sculptures, and installations are from the artist's own collection. The works "capture light, refract and reflect it, set it in motion" — visitors become part of this interactive experience as their movement changes the reflection. Venues include St. Bonifatius, St. Joseph, St. Marien, and St. Laurentius — which will be activated with cross-light installations.

Special Exhibition at the Emschertalmuseum

Parallel to the church exhibition, the special exhibition "Magic of Light" with 20 paintings by Ludger Hinse will run at the Emschertalmuseum from June 14 to August 16, 2026. These explore fire, water, earth, and air as the four classical elements — through color, light, and painterly reflection. A deeper exploration of the artistic work away from the sacred spaces. Additionally, Hinse will give a lecture at the museum on August 23, 2026, about his biographical journey from a miner's son to an internationally recognized artist.

50 Accompanying Events

LICHTraum 2026 is more than an exhibition — around 50 accompanying events are spread over the three months: concerts in the churches featured (organ music, choral concerts, contemporary sacred music), thematic services, workshops for adults and school classes, readings, film screenings, artist talks with Hinse. Program calendar online at lichtraum2026.de — most events are free or accessible for a small donation.

Getting to Herne

By train: Herne main station (RE and S-Bahn from Essen, Dortmund), numerous churches are within walking distance or a short U-Bahn ride (line U 35). By car: A 42 or A 43 (Herne exit), parking facilities vary depending on the church — inner-city churches are better reached by public transport. Detailed travel information for each venue online.