10 must-see Beuys places in and around Düsseldorf

"As well-known as Abbey Road No.3"

The Welt am Sonntag wrote about Joseph Beuys' former home: "This address is as well-known to art lovers as Abbey Road No. 3 is to music fans." We have put together the ten most important places for anyone who wants to travel through Düsseldorf in the footsteps of the world-famous artist. Beuys is still omnipresent in Düsseldorf today, and not just on Joseph-Beuys-Ufer. The whole city is inspired by his famous quote: "Everyone is an artist." Even soup king Dauser has set up a Beuys corner in his restaurant on Carlsplatz. You can stop off there after your walk.

Residential building at Drakeplatz 4

"In March 1961, Beuys with a leather suitcase, I with a small basket from my grandmother, we move from my student room to Drakeplatz 4," writes Eva Beuys. He lived there until his death in 1986.

Rhine bank in Oberkassel

Anatol began studying with Karl Wimmenauer in 1972. Anatol and friends met in front of his house at Kaiser-Wilhelm-Ring 31, towed the dugout canoe "Blaues Wunder" into the water and brought Beuys "home", but ended up behind the North Bridge.

Creamcheese Old Town

In the artists' pub Creamcheese, Neubrückstraße 12, Beuys performed anti-theater with "Handaktion" in 1968, spreading and clenching his hands for two hours while the music group "Pissoff" played terrorist music.

Stovepipe at the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf

Beuys' stovepipe on the façade of the Kunsthalle on Grabbeplatz brings fresh air into the interior. The thick concrete wall was drilled through in 1981, creating a link between art and urban life.

Office for Direct Democracy

In March 1970, Beuys rented the barbershop at Andreastrasse 25 for 500 marks per month as a "research center" outside the academy. Here he called for people to refuse to vote in order to enforce direct democracy instead.

Beuys oak with stele

Beuys' ecological project comprises 7000 oak trees with 7000 basalt steles. Beuys and the art-loving minister Reimut Jochimsen planted an oak tree with a stone together on Horionplatz in 1983. 

Art Academy

Beuys had studied at the art academy and was "Professor of Sculpture" from 1961 until his expulsion in 1972. The unorthodox teacher wanted to change the academy away from state paternalism. 

K20 Art Collection NRW

"Palazzo Regale" from 1985 in K20 is Beuys' last installation, with relics of his actions and brass plates full of gold dust. The surroundings become blurred, the viewer is thrown back on himself.

Kunstpalast Large Sculpture Eurasia Staff

Four large, ascending felt corners and a mighty copper rod symbolize Beuys' wanderings between East and West. The work is called "Eurasienstab" and belongs to the Kunstpalast in the Ehrenhof. (currently not accessible due to renovation)

Memorial in Meerbusch

In 1959, Beuys notched the names of the 222 Büderich war dead into the oak door of the Romanesque church tower of St. Mauritius, Dorfstraße 48-54 in Meerbusch, and hung an oak cross inside as a symbol of resurrection.