Mike Litt in conversation with Nico Overkott

How's it going, Düsseldorf?

Our podcast "Alle Rhein" for culture in times of Corona. What Mike Litt wants to know: How did the talk guests perceive the surreal times? What has changed for them? What projects are they working on now?
In episode 30, Mike talks to Nico Overkott, Art Concierge at The Wellem.

Nico Overkott's workplace alone is extraordinary. He resides in a neo-baroque building between Düsseldorf's old town and the art collection, within walking distance of the Rhine and the Kö. The former court building, where the trial against Deutsche Bank boss Josef Ackermann took place, is now a Hyatt hotel - "The Wellem". What makes the hotel unique in Germany? It has an "art concierge": Nico Overkott.  

The trained gallery owner and his team are responsible for furnishing the hotel corridors - the various "Art Suites" where contemporary art hangs. He also curates changing hotel exhibitions and organizes individual guided tours of Düsseldorf's museums and galleries for guests. He is wonderful at explaining art. He does this at a historic location in the city - for everyone. The doors to the historic courthouse in the old town are always open! Admission is free to see works by Stefan Szczesny, for example.  

If you want to know more or buy art, you can talk to Nico Overkott. He explains the works on site, gives advice and even puts you in touch with the artists exhibiting at "The Wellem". Overkott's life is almost always about art - even on vacation on an island. In Düsseldorf, he finds inspiration and places to rest, as he told Mike Litt for "Alle Rhein!". 

Our host

Mike Litt was born in the US state of Virginia and lived in Bochum for many years. The globetrotter usually works in Cologne but lives with his family in the beautiful Düsseltal district of Düsseldorf. He is a radio presenter (1Live, WDR 2, DLF Nova), a DJ with Mayday festival experience and an author (‘The loneliest DJ in the world’). For our podcast, he holds fascinating conversations with other people from Düsseldorf’s cultural scene.

Photos
Cover photo: © Photo: Julia Pohle
Mike Litt: © [email protected]
Music / Sound: Christian Moster / Mike Litt