Friedrich Nietzsche, a philosopher who never saw the Unperfekthaus, once said, “Everything finished, perfect, is admired. Everything becoming is underestimated.” Here at the Unperfekthaus, or UpH, in Essen, we embrace the becoming. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living, breathing organism, constantly evolving. The Unperfekthaus is a former Franciscan monastery. Entrepreneur Reinhard Wiesemann transformed it in 2004. He envisioned a space where creativity could flourish, unburdened by censorship or rigid guidelines.
The Unperfekthaus sprawls across 4,000 square meters and seven floors. It’s a unique blend of cafe, bar, hotel, co-working space, event venue, and cultural institution. Some call it an “artists’ village.” It provides a platform for creatives to bring their ideas to life. The only rules are that activities remain legal, creative, and accessible to the public.
This place thrives on the energy of its visitors. For a small fee, which includes all non-alcoholic drinks, you can explore the entire building. Watch artists at work. Relax in the freely available massage chairs on each floor. Or maybe grab a drink downstairs and soak in the atmosphere. You can even rent parts of the building for events. The Unperfekthotel next door offers overnight stays for those wanting a more immersive experience.
The building’s history peeks through the modern renovations. Remnants of the Franciscan monastery remain visible. But much has changed. Balconies now adorn the facade. A mesmerizing staircase, illuminating with each footstep, connects the bar to the first floor. The Unperfekthaus is deliberately imperfect, a constant work in progress. It embodies the idea that everything new begins imperfectly. Each artist contributes to this ever-evolving space, ensuring it never truly reaches completion. This ongoing transformation fuels the inspiring environment. The Unperfekthaus encourages a continuous cycle of creation and inspiration.