Drakeplatz 4 - Beuys' living studio

Anyone who is out and about in Düsseldorf automatically follows in the footsteps of Joseph Beuys. The world-famous artist led a public life in the city and his routes and locations are well documented. Even today, it is easy to imagine the man with the hat and fishing vest cycling through his district of Oberkassel. The former living and working studio on Drakeplatz is currently for sale. Estimated price: 3 to 4.5 million euros. Gerrit Terstiege visited Oberkassel for us and described the myth of Drakeplatz 4.

There is a very special address in Düsseldorf's Oberkassel district, which is popular with artists and creatives. It is simply Drakeplatz 4, but it is undoubtedly a mythical place - because this is where Joseph Beuys' studio was hidden behind a heavy, gate-like wooden door. One of the most important artists of the 20th century lived and worked here for a quarter of a century, from 1961 until his death in 1986. And to visit this place - even if its rooms with the former leather-covered floors are not open to visitors - fills Beuys fans from all over the world with awe. Precisely because a walk through the almost idyllic quarter, characterized by mid-rise old buildings, conveys in a very comprehensible way how this place and these streets must have shaped and inspired the painter and sculptor.

It is the typical Düsseldorf proximity that can be experienced here.

The small Drakeplatz still exudes something sheltered, something peaceful. At the same time, a visit gives you an understanding of the very personal, urban topography in which Beuys moved for a long time: A few minutes' walk takes you to the vibrant Luegallee, which leads straight to Oberkassler Brücke. It not only offers an incredibly beautiful view over the skyline of the Rhine metropolis, but also leads directly to Beuys' place of work: the world-famous art academy. It is this proximity, so typical of Düsseldorf, that can be experienced here.

Anyone who has understood the artist's message will see Drakeplatz with different eyes.

Without question, Joseph Beuys' work is very much about the storage, transformation and transfer of energy. Materials such as felt, fat, wood and honey, but also copper and brass, are charged with a power that is not to be found in the purely physical and factual. His famous dictum "Everyone is an artist" also means that society becomes a social sculpture that can be shaped. It is precisely such energies and processes that Beuys is concerned with. About transformation.

Anyone who has understood this fundamental message from the artist will also see Drakeplatz with different eyes. Because its history will always be closely linked to Beuys as a person - and the house at number 4 is itself transformed today and a mysterious repository of all the stories and legends surrounding the man with the felt hat. Many of his ideas took shape here: The house became the stage for countless artists' meetings and discussions. Beuys deliberately made it an "open house" because he was open to many trends. Anyone who has ever been here will never forget this place.

Text: Gerrit Terstiege

Gerrit Terstiege writes for magazines such as art, Monopol and Mint and always enjoys writing about art and music from Düsseldorf.

Photos: Düsseldorf Tourism

You can find out more about Beuys on our website.