Anniversary celebrations at the German Bundestag

75 years of the German Bundestag – Citizens’ Festival and Open Day 2024

The Federal Republic of Germany is celebrating its 75th birthday and Parliament is joining the celebrations! We’re bringing this year of celebrations to a close with a highlight to mark the 75th anniversary of the first convening of the first German Bundestag with a Citizens’ Festival held alongside an Open Day. In addition, the exhibition on parliamentary history in the Deutscher Dom will feature a special programme and extended opening hours to celebrate this milestone.

The Open Day takes place on Saturday, 7 September 2024 – with its consistently entertaining programme in the Reichstag Building, the Paul Löbe Building and the Marie-Elisabeth Lüders Building this year additionally featuring numerous anniversary-specific elements. Furthermore, a Citizens’ Festival will be held in the area around the buildings on 6 and 7 September 2024, taking in the 75-year-old history of both the “Bonn” and “Berlin” eras, exploring current issues and shedding light on future challenges for Parliament. The Citizens’ Festival will take place at Friedrich-Ebert-Platz, outside the Paul Löbe Building and along the banks of the Spree.

The following event times are currently planned:

Citizens’ Festival

• Friday, 6 September 2024 14:00 – 22:00 hrs
• Saturday, 7 September 2024, 10:00 – 22:00 hrs 
  Sing-along concert from 20:00 hrs, followed by the film and light show

Open Day

• Saturday, 7 September 2024, 10:00 – 19:00 hrs, last admission: 18:00 hrs

Citizens’ Festival programme

The Citizens’ Festival on 6 and 7 September 2024 will be held in the area outside the Bundestag buildings. Panel discussions and other discussion formats will take place on a stage at Friedrich-Ebert-Platz. In addition, in the Communication and Activity Pavilion you can talk to Members of the Bundestag during a meet & greet session, for example, and ask them everything you’ve always wanted to know. On Paul Löbe Allee you can find out about the focal points of this year’s event – 75 years of the Basic Law, 75 years of the German Bundestag along with the 25th anniversary of the move from Bonn to Berlin. Additionally, the “ToleranceSpaces” exhibition by the Toleranz Tunnel e.V. association promotes greater tolerance and mutual respect.

Guests are certain to also be entertained by a variety-packed music programme, reflecting the diversity of the country. Refreshments will of course also be provided, with numerous culinary delights nodding towards the Bundestag’s 75th birthday.

The celebrations will close on 7 September 2024 with a sing-along concert featuring the artists from the weekend’s programme.  Following the concert, the film and light show projected onto the Marie-Elisabeth Lüders Building will round off the anniversary event.

Open Day programme (Saturday, 7 September 2024)

Explore the Reichstag Building from the plenary chamber to Visitors’ Level and up to the dome: visit the Members' lobby, the Reflection and Prayer Room and the Cyrillic graffiti. The plenary chamber is, of course, a real highlight – and for the first time during the guided tour you’re able to enter it. Following the various informative, artistic and entertaining elements of the tour, in the visitors' gallery you can learn about the work of the German Bundestag from members of its Presidium, amongst others. The tour ends in the glass dome, with its breathtaking architecture and views.

This year, in the Paul Löbe Building you can find out not only about the Bundestag Administration and the parliamentary committees, but also about the parliamentary groups and groupings. Here, too, you’ll find entertainment on the stage, along with refreshments. Our programme has something for all the family, with the children’s area located on the side of the building facing the River Spree.

The Bundestag Administration will also be providing information on its work in the Marie-Elisabeth Lüders Building. As a special highlight, you can view the original of the Basic Law, and films about parliament such as “Die Unbeugsamen” will be screened in the event foyer. A café providing refreshments is located on the terrace, while a DJ will take care of musical entertainment.

We look forward to welcoming you!