Old Catholic Church in Bonn Launches Media Station to Enhance Visitor Experience (Bonn, Germany)

The Old Catholic Church in Bonn, specifically the name-Jesu Church on Bonngasse, has unveiled a new media station aimed at enhancing visitor engagement with its historical and architectural significance. The station, featuring a yellow quad with a touch screen, serves as a modern interface for those exploring the 17th-century monument. The initiative is designed to provide a more contemporary and interactive experience for the approximately 100,000 tourists who visit the church annually.

In addition to the touch screen, the media station includes three information walls. These elements are intended to offer visitors a flexible way to engage with the church’s history and architecture. Shorter texts will provide quick overviews, while more detailed content will allow for deeper exploration. Children are also catered to with playful features such as a memory game, enabling all age groups to discover the church in their own way.

Reverend Michael Kehren, who oversees the initiative, emphasized the importance of adapting the information to modern media consumption habits. The historical elements highlighted include the main altar, over 200 years old, and the 300-year-old pulpit, both of which are significant parts of the church’s heritage. The new station aims to make this information more accessible and engaging for visitors.

The idea for the media station had been in development for some time. Previously, the church relied on a wall with individual articles to convey information about the baroque building. Kehren noted that while the wall was well-designed, it no longer met the expectations of contemporary visitors. The new station reflects the Old Catholic Church’s identity as both a traditional and modern institution.

Kehren also highlighted the church’s mission to clarify the often-misunderstood term “Old Catholic.” The media station is part of a broader effort to inform visitors about the church’s faith and values. The initiative underscores the Old Catholic Church’s commitment to being progressive and open, while maintaining its historical roots.

The new information station will officially open this Saturday, August 22, at 4 pm. Bishop Matthias Ring of the Old Catholic Diocese in Germany is expected to attend the opening. Ring, who is set to retire in a few weeks, will be present to witness the launch of this modern outreach effort.

Source: Read the original report (translated from German)