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Offered languages
- German
- English
Step through the factory gates and immerse yourself in the meticulously planned society of Leverkusen in the early 20th century. This fascinating tour shows how the Bayer corporation not only built a chemical empire but a complete ecosystem for human life. From manicured Japanese gardens to picturesque workers' colonies, you discover the fascinating, contradictory world of 'Welfare Capitalism'. Was it the utopian dream of entrepreneurial care or a golden cage of absolute social control? Accompany your sociologist's guide and a local historian as they explore the still palpable soul of a city born at the conference table.
- 4.4 km self-guided tour with 6 stations over 129 min.
- Ideal for everyone interested in society & everyday life and history & memory
Excitingly told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Suitable audio content, AI guide, and navigation via the app
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
From Leverkusen Main Station take local public transport towards Japanese Garden / Carl-Duisberg-Park. Get off at the nearest stop and walk the last few minutes to the Japanese Garden. Check the current connection on the travel day with the transport association.
From the recreation center, walk to the nearest stop and take local public transport back to Leverkusen Central Station. The starting point is Erholungshaus, Leverkusen, Germany. Please check the current connection on the day of travel.
Itinerary
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1
A breathtaking, 15,000 square meter garden artwork that served as the aesthetic jewel of Bayer's paternalistic vision.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
The modern administrative heart of the Bavarian Empire, contrasting today's business transparency with the historical, hierarchical control.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
A picturesque residential area modeled after the garden city, designed to keep the workers healthy, happy, and extremely loyal.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Christuskirche
A Protestant church heavily financed by Bayer, which shows how far the company's influence reached into the spiritual lives of its workers.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
The former location of the huge department store, where the workers' wages flowed directly back into the corporation's economic cycle.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Erholungshaus
The absolute peak of cultural paternalism that high culture offered to solidify the culture of the 'Bavarian family'.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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