Europahaus

Europahaus, formerly called Amerikahaus, is located in Kennedyplatz. Kennedyplatz, which was built in the 1950s and used to be called Gildenplatz, was designed as a civic square in contrast to Burgplatz, which was strongly influenced by the church. Amerikahaus, built by architect Gehring with the donations of American citizens, was home to the first and only American institute of its kind in the Ruhr area. The idea behind the institute was to promote the democratisation and political education of the people of Essen in the post-war period. The reliefs on its façade were designed by Essen artist, Herbert Lungwitz. Today, Europahaus accommodates "Stratmann’s" cabaret and a restaurant. A number of major events, such as "Essen Original", "Essen on Ice" and the international Christmas market, are held in Kennedyplatz every year.