Düsseldorf profile: Anys Reimann

Here, the Düsseldorf artist talks about her childhood in Lohausen, why Dorthe Kollo persecuted her and her favorite architects.

How long have you lived in Düsseldorf and what do you do here? 

Originally from the Ruhr area, I have lived in Düsseldorf since my early childhood. Although I always wanted to go out into the really big wide world, I still live here, now with my partner and two sons, and work as a visual artist. 

What is your favorite cultural venue? 

The Tanzhaus NRW. If you think about what has become of the "Werkstatt". Fabulous! Lively, ageless and contemporary. Whether you learn there yourself or enjoy performances by gorgeous choreographers... very moving! 

An attraction or place that you like to show visitors? 

The small Spee'sche Park with the rose garden at the Spee'sche Palais/City Museum, an idyllic spot in Carlstadt. Also worth seeing: the Japanese Garden in Nordpark. 

Which work of art symbolizes Düsseldorf for you? 

Today's travelers from Düsseldorf are probably no longer tormented by it, but when I used to travel - no matter where - I had to listen to the beginning of the hit "Wärst Du doch in Düsseldorf geblieben" by Dorthe Kollo (1968). Otherwise, "Eisgekühlter Bommerlunder" by Die Toten Hosen comes to mind immediately afterwards: a complete departure with call-and-response shouting in the "Ratinger Hof" at the beginning of the 80s. It's not my drink or my band, but the attitude to life was and still is. For me: the Düsseldorf that I like. Both songs together: Pure Düsseldorf. 

Which museum or gallery have you always wanted to visit but haven't made it yet? 

Benrath Palace is home to two of my passions: the Museum of Natural History and the Museum of European Garden Art. Shame on me. I've never been there before! 

Which cultural institution in the area can you recommend? 

The Museum Island Hombroich and the rocket station opposite, a fantastic landscape at any (accessible) time of year. Nature, art and conversation or peaceful silence. Plenty of space.

Which artist(s) from Düsseldorf's rich history would you like to talk to? 

Lore Lorentz and Electress Anna Maria Louisa de Medici 

Your architectural highlight in Düsseldorf? 

The Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus by Mainz architect Bernhard Pfau, built between 1965 and 1969. Its homogeneous organic architecture has fascinated me since I was a child. I used my architecture studies in the 90s to gain extensive access to this "floating cloud" in the middle of the city center under the pretext of a building analysis for the subject of building construction. My dream in white came true. 

What is your favorite neighborhood and why? 

Kaiserswerth and Lohausen, where I spent my childhood and youth. My first kiss by the Kittelbach stream, making out on the castle ruins, bike races on the forbidden and exciting deaconry grounds, the smallest and most beautiful outdoor pool in the city (it still exists today), Lantz'sche Park, horse pastures, abandoned properties and wide fields along the Rhine. 

The best coffee in town is at...? 

In the Bar Olio, after dinner or at the bar. 

Where do you prefer to go for dinner with friends? 

To "die Akro" (Akropolis snack bar) or to Hülsmann on Belsenplatz. Both in Oberkassel. My favorite thing to do is buy cheese at Fromagerie in Unterbilk and cook at home with friends while drinking wine. 

Your favorite bar or club? 

Salon des Amateurs in the Kunsthalle, the Eiskellerbar opposite the Kunstakademie, the Seifenhorst in Unterbilk and the Zicke in Carlstadt. 

Where is Düsseldorf the most Düsseldorf? 

Always where Düsseldorfers are. People know and know each other. After all, the "dorf" in Düssel speaks for itself.
There was a time when, while waiting tables, I recommended to somewhat frustrated customers who complained about connection problems to move to Cologne. As a newcomer, it was quicker and more stable to make connections. These days, I no longer have that kind of problem here, but I go to Cologne more often now. 

Where do you go to relax? 

To the Münstertherme in Pempelfort. I love the Botanical Gardens, and whatever I can do, the beloved Rhine, collecting stones and myself. 

What is a typical Düsseldorf souvenir for you? 

"echter Düsseldorfer Mostert" = ABB mustard or Löwensenf, bread from the Hinkel bakery and pea soup from Dauser. 

Which hotel can you recommend to out-of-town guests? 

Very personal. No frills with all the bells and whistles, but without the chi chi: the Hotel Ufer. 

This article is funded by REACT-EU.

Cover picture: Düsseldorf Tourismus