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Germany's industrial heartland shows off its cultural side

January 11, 2010

The Ruhr Valley, the center of Germany's steel and coal industry, is one of three European capitals of culture in 2010. The region aims to spruce up its blue-collar image with a host of cultural highlights this year.

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Essen and Ruhr Valley launch year of culture

Essen and Ruhr Valley launch year of culture

We visit this city in the Ruhr Valley which becomes in 2010 a European Capital of Culture. It was once renowned for its industry but has now transformed its factories into cultural treasures. Essen also has big parks, impressive architecture and is a mecca for shopping. The old factories now house such creative establishments such as the Design Center NRW.
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The 'Truth' about the Ruhr Valley

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In our weekly series, "The Truth About Germany", our intrepid reporter Michael Wigge investigates stereotypes and this week he's off to the Ruhr Valley region. Germany's biggest urban sprawl and former industrial heartland has been chosen as one of the 2010 European Capitals of Culture. Reason enough for Wigge to see just what role culture plays in the Ruhr Valley and among its residents.
January 3, 201004:25 min
DW Arts Unveiled (Serienlogo Composite)

The Ruhr shrugs off its dusty reputation

The Ruhr shrugs off its dusty reputation

The Ruhr is one of Europe's largest metropolitan areas. The region is located on land that was once used for coal mining. In 2010, it's the European Capital of Culture. The area is pinning high hopes on the event. But can its new image be reconciled with its proletarian past? To find out, we asked one man who should know, a native of the area nicknamed 'The Pott', actor and writer Armin Rohde.
January 10, 201004:50 min