Immanuel-Kirche

Gazing upon the Immanuel-Kirche, one can’t help but wonder about the stories held within its concrete walls. The Immanuel-Kirche stands on Pionierstraße 61 in Düsseldorf-Friedrichstadt. It was built between 1965 and 1966. The architect behind this unique structure was Heinz Kalenborn. He designed the church for the Protestant Friedenskirchgemeinde. The church showcases the use of concrete as a primary building material, evident in its exposed concrete interior and exterior walls. A distinctive feature of the Immanuel-Kirche is the relief titled “Jesus im Boot” (Jesus in the Boat) and the inscription “Glaubt Ihr nicht so bleibt Ihr nicht” (If you do not believe, you will not remain). These artistic elements were created by Düsseldorf artist Curt Beckmann, adding a unique touch to the church’s aesthetic. Sadly, the Immanuel-Kirche closed its doors in 2013. The building complex itself is quite intriguing. It consists of three structures that enclose a narrow courtyard in a tight backyard space. Facing the street is a residential building. This building housed the parish council, the nurses’ station, and the parsonage. The church itself is located in the backyard. Between the church and the residential building, a courtyard serves as a playground for the kindergarten situated in the middle. The ground floor of the residential building is largely open, allowing views from the street to the backyard and the church. Daylight streams into the church through the gallery at the front courtyard and through the rear part of the building. The Immanuel-Kirche also housed a notable organ. Built in 1967 by the organ-building company Rudolf von Beckerath from Hamburg, the organ had 25 registers, two manuals, and a pedal. Its workings were mechanical. After the church’s closure, the organ found a new home in 2023. It was relocated to the Kostol Sedembolestnej Panny Márie (Church of Our Lady of Sorrows) in Martin, Slovakia. The relocation was facilitated by Andreas Ladach, and the organ was rebuilt by Filip Harant. The Immanuel-Kirche, although closed, remains a notable example of post-war architecture in Düsseldorf.