Frequently Asked Questions

• Who are you, anyway?

  We are the nonprofit association Niehler Freiheit e.V. located in Bickendorf, Cologne. On the 1100 m² premises of a former car repair shop, we aim to create a space for cultural experimentation, political dialogue, exchange, and solidarity.
  Our site hosts workshops, performances, theater, exhibitions, concerts, and more. We strive to create a participatory space where everyone can contribute and freely express themselves.

  From our Manifesto:
  We are a collective comprising individuals and our shared space. Balancing individual and collective freedom, we align ourselves around shared values, goals, and interests to foster a functional and comfortable environment. Functional means serving the collective's purpose: emancipatory, participatory, and culture-promoting.
  “Niehler Freiheit serves as an experimental space, a project incubator, and a room of possibilities. The facilities and workshops are available to members and non-members to initiate and execute their own projects. The association is also committed to charitable causes.” (Stadtmacher Archive)

  We are part of AIC Cologne and the Netzwerk Immovielien, actively advocating for Cologne’s independent cultural scene and urban development.

  • AIC Cologne
  • Netzwerk Immovielien
  • Urbane Liga
• How can I get involved?

  We’re always happy to welcome new people who want to shape our space!
  Come to our weekly meeting (Plenum), held (almost) every Tuesday at 7 PM. Please email us beforehand at hello@niehlerfreiheit.de.

• I’d like to use one of your workshops. When can I visit?

  Our workshops do not have regular opening hours. Send us an email at hello@niehlerfreiheit.de with a brief description of your project, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Please note this might take some time.

• When are you open?

  We don’t have fixed opening hours. Check our calendar for upcoming events.

• How can I stay informed about your activities?

  • Subscribe to our Newsletter for monthly updates.
  • Check our calendar for past and upcoming events.
  • Follow us on Instagram for spontaneous updates and new announcements.
• I think you’re great! Take my money!

  Make a donation: As a nonprofit, we rely on donations to keep our events and services accessible. We appreciate one-time or recurring contributions and can provide donation receipts.

• Is your space accessible for people with disabilities?

  Unfortunately, we cannot claim full accessibility, but we are striving to make our space as barrier-free as possible:

  • A barrier-free restroom is available.
  • Most areas are accessible at ground level.
• Do I need to register or buy tickets for your events?

  Most events do not require registration or pre-sales. If space is limited, this will be noted in the calendar entry.

• Can I organize a event with you?

  We welcome event proposals that align with our philosophy. Below is a guide to help you decide if your idea is suitable for Niehler Freiheit:

  Our space is for:

  • Community-driven projects
  • Concerts, exhibitions, readings, theater, performances, film screenings, workshops, and skill-sharing
  • Donation-based events
  • Short-term rentals for creative independent projects (e.g., filming or video shoots)

  Event proposals require sponsorship from two of our members. Since all members volunteer in their free time, please allow up to two weeks for a response.

  Our space is not for:

  • Private parties (birthdays, weddings, etc.)
  • Corporate events
  • Political party gatherings
  • Commercial events with ticket sales or fixed entry fees
  • Events containing discriminatory content (racist, sexist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, etc.)

  If your proposal fits our philosophy, email us at gemeinsam@niehlerfreiheit.de.

• I lost something at your place. How can I get it back?

  Email us at lost@niehlerfreiheit.de with details of the lost item. Alternatively, visit us on Tuesday evenings before the Plenum at 7 PM.

• Address & Directions

  Postal Address:
  Niehler Freiheit e.V.
  Vogelsanger Str. 385b
  50827 Cologne

  

• Public Transport

  • Take tram lines 3 or 4 to Rochusplatz, then bus 143 to Wilhelm-Mauser-Str., followed by a 10-minute walk.

    

  • Or take S12/S19 to Müngersdorf Technologiepark and walk 15 minutes along Vogelsanger Straße.

    

  • By bike: A 10-minute ride from Ehrenfeld station along Vogelsanger Straße.

    

• Parking for Bicycles

  There is no designated bike parking on our premises. You can park along Vogelsanger Straße or the side street leading to our space. Please avoid blocking gates or driveways.

• Parking for Cars

  No car parking is available on-site. Use the parking spots along Vogelsanger Straße

• Contact Information

  • General inquiries > hello@niehlerfreiheit.de
  • Awareness > awareness@niehlerfreiheit.de
  • Event proposals > gemeinsam@niehlerfreiheit.de
  • Lost items > lost@niehlerfreiheit.de