Martin KirchnerRaschplatz in Hanover is more than just a transport hub - it is a lively place with history, culture and urban flair. Centrally located behind the main railway station, it connects the city centre with Oststadt and Lister Meile.
Named after the city director Johann Carl Hermann Rasch, the square was created in 1884 on the site of former railway workshops. In the 1970s, Raschplatz was redesigned as part of the construction of the underground railway and was given its characteristic -1 location.
The Pavillon cultural centre has been an integral part of Raschplatz since 1977. Originating from a citizens' initiative, it offers a varied programme of concerts, theatre, readings and political discussions. With four stages and modern rooms, the Pavillon is a place for cultural diversity.
The Kino am Raschplatz is a renowned arthouse cinema that has been presenting cinematic highlights since 1977. With four screens and a varied programme, it is a magnet for film enthusiasts. The cinema has received several awards for its outstanding programme.
Raschplatz is a regular venue for events. During the European Football Championship, it became Hanover's central public viewing venue with space for up to 1,600 fans. In winter, the square is transformed into an artificial ice rink and offers ice skating in the centre of the city.
Andreas von Weizsäcker's sculpture Hangover - three car bodies hanging upside down, an ironic monument to the car-friendly city - is located under the Raschplatzhochstraße.
Near the pavilion, a memorial commemorates the former court prison, which was a place of detention for political opponents during the Nazi era. The memorial was inaugurated in 1989 and is the first municipal memorial in Germany that also commemorates the persecution of homosexual men.
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