My story could start like a fairy tale. "Once upon a time..." But let's not go there. I prefer to live in the here and now. Because a lot has changed in Bonn since I left high politics and diplomacy in favour of calling the shots from Berlin. Incidentally, I myself claim that it's for the better. But see for yourself! I promise you that you won't recognise me. But above all, you'll like me. Because the former, somewhat stuffy federal capital has become a charming and lively cosmopolitan city that is looking to the future.
Of course, I can't completely deny my post-war history. After all, Germany was governed from Bonn for forty years. That is why, among other things, the Chancellor's Bungalow and the former plenary chamber of the Bundestag have been preserved. Today it forms the heart of the World Conference Centre, a first-class event venue. Incidentally, the address is Platz der Vereinten Nationen 2, which brings me back to the view of the future. Because it is here in Bonn that the UN is bringing together all its sustainability activities. It's a point of honour that we in Bonn are actively supporting them.
And let's take another look into the future. It has long since arrived at the Deutsches Museum Bonn, an offshoot of the large Munich museum. Here you can already watch artificial intelligence think, put yourself in the hands of robots and stroll through the Future City. The address here: Bundesstraße 9, better known as the Museum Mile. Five different, renowned museums are lined up here - which is unique in Germany. These also include the Bundeskunsthalle, the Kunstmuseum Bonn, the Museum König Bonn, where - incidentally - the German constitution was proclaimed 75 years ago, and, of course, the Haus der Geschichte. You can't do without the past after all ...
That's why I have to talk about the city's most famous resident. I'm sure you already know who I'm talking about. Of course, I'm talking about Ludwig van Beethoven. The world-famous composer was born in 1770 at Bonngasse 20. The house where he was born still stands and is now also a museum. And it's right in the middle of my lively city centre, where you'll keep coming across traces of my famous ambassador. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a little peace and quiet, I recommend you take a look at the cloisters of Bonn Minster a little away from the pedestrian zone. I always meet people here who fall in love with me straight away. Are you one of them?
