Altered Düsseldorf's Historic Clock Tower
In the heart of Düsseldorf, a contemporary urban art project named "Don't Panic" has taken residence on the historic clock tower at Grafenberger Allee 300. This artistic intervention, a reminder to stay composed amidst modern life's stresses, is the brainchild of artist Meral Alma and has been gracing the city since April 2023.
The clock tower, a relic from 1904, once served as the gatekeeper's house for the Haniel & Lueg company. Today, it houses the business premises of the Bürgergesellschaft Alde Düsseldorf, who have repurposed the historic facade for art exhibitions.
Meral Alma's creative vision for the clock tower involved adorning it with around 500 colorful sticky notes, forming an eye-catching display that resonates with passersby. The notes, some containing words and others left blank for viewers to add their thoughts, are strategically placed to evoke personal feelings and memories.
The unique architecture of the narrow tower with its steep staircase adds to the effect of the artworks, creating an immersive experience for visitors. The exhibition inside the clock tower is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm until July 26, 2025, courtesy of Alde.
The "Don't Panic" project extends beyond the clock tower's exterior, with art actions taking place inside the tower as well. This multi-faceted installation fits within Düsseldorf's dynamic urban art scene, which encourages local and international artists to use public spaces for creative expressions that blend art with social commentary or psychological impact.
The idea for "Don't Panic" was born over coffee and cake with Professor Dr. Gisela Miller-Kipp, a connection to Alde Düsseldorf. Together with Baas Rolf Lenz, they envisioned a unique art action at and inside the clock tower, aiming to provoke thought and emotion through accessible art.
As the project progresses, some fragments of the artwork may loosen due to rain and wind, as intended by the artist. However, the artwork will be removed without any residue before its scheduled end date of July 26, 2025. For those interested in the precise origin, artist, or detailed concept behind the "Don't Panic" art project, local Düsseldorf cultural resources, urban art registries, or municipal art programs may provide further insights.
The contemporary urban art project "Don't Panic" located within the historic clock tower of Düsseldorf, a home-and-garden for various art exhibitions, includes a lifestyle-focused installation that resonates with passersby via colorful sticky notes. As part of the dynamic urban art scene in Düsseldorf, this multi-faceted artwork offers a blend of art, social commentary, and psychological impact.
