Peace of Westphalia

Farbverlauf Summit
 

October 24th, 2023: THE ANNIVERSARY!

On October 24th and 25th, the historic dates of the Treaty of the Peace of Westphalia, the cities of Münster and Osnabrück will approach the topic of peace from different perspectives and with high-profile guests.

In Münster, the entire day will be dedicated to peace: the centerpiece will be the Westphalian Peace Summit starting at 6 p.m. in the Theater of Münster. This will be followed at 8:30 p.m. by the large open-air production "Longing for Peace" on Prinzipalmarkt, which will give space to the desire for peace.

We are very happy about the huge interest in the Westphalian Peace Summit. Unfortunately, the first ticket contingents are already fully booked. There are currently only remaining tickets. However, you can sign up for a waiting list at the bottom of the booking page. If you have any questions about the procedure, the theater box office will be happy to help:
02 51/59 09 100 or theaterkasse@stadt-muenster.de

Tickets and waiting list

Impressions from the day

 

An Overview of the Day

11 a.m.
Book of Peace

Your signature for peace
Historic City Hall

Throughout the day, the "Book of Peace" will be on display in the historic town hall, giving everyone the opportunity to affirm their desire for peace with their signature. The book will also be on display on Oct. 25th, Osnabrück's anniversary day.

Noon
Let’s Talk: Peace Beyond Borders

Young debate with students of the University of Münster (MUIMUN) and international guests
Theater Münster, Small House

At "Let's Talk: Peace beyond Borders" students of the initiative "Münster University International Model United Nations" discuss peace in a multipolar world. The event brings together young people with experts in a town hall debate.

4.30 p.m.
Solving Conflicts without Violence

Ecumenical PeaceVesper
Apostelchurch in Münster

The Peace Vespers have been organized since 1993 in cooperation between the Protestant Apostlechurch congregation, the Catholic parish of St. Lamberti, and the Association of Christian Churches (ACK) to commemorate the Day of Peace of Westphalia in 1648.

6 p.m.
Westphalian Peace Summit 2023

Global perspectives on peace
A discussion with international guests
Theater Münster, Great House

Under the patronage of Prof. Hans-Gert Pöttering, former President of the European Parliament, Georg Restle, presenter at Monitor (ARD), discusses with international guests:

  • Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize laureate from Liberia,
  • Prof. Dan Smith, Director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) from Stockholm,
  • Prof. Dr. Ummu Salma Bava, Jawaharlal Nehru University from New Delhi,
  • Elmar Theveßen, Head of ZDF Studio Washington D.C.

8.30 p.m.
Longing for Peace - Sehnsucht nach Frieden

On the evening of this historic anniversary, "Longing for Peace" concludes the program. In an emotional image and sound journey on Prinzipalmarkt, space is given to the longing for peace. Based on an idea by Fritz Schmücker, the Hamburg light artist Michael Batz, who has already visually staged the Reichstag, Hamburg's Speicherstadt and the Elbphilharmonie, has developed his own program, to which international musicians will contribute sounds and melodies. The open-air event is open to the public and free of charge.

Michael Batz (DE) - staging, light art, concept,
Asya Fateyeva (UA/DE) - saxophone, Franz Hautzinger (AT) - trumpet, electronics, Julia Brüssel (DE) - violin, Mahan Mirarab (IR/AT) - guitar, Matthias Loibner (AT) - hurdy-gurdy, electronics, concept, Peter Rosmanith (AT) - percussion, hang,
Fritz Schmücker (Int. Jazzfestival Münster) - idea and concept

The Oct. 24th event is organized and sponsored by the North Westphalia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Westphalia Initiative Foundation, the "Religion and Politics" Cluster of Excellence, and the cities of Münster and Osnabrück.