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Service – Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I make sure that I get tickets for an event in good time?

It is quite simple: online, by telephone, at one of 2,500 advance tickets sales points or by using our order form in the brochure. This provides an overview, or you can choose to go directly to your ticket selection by using our performance calendar.

2. How do I get the brochure for the 2010 season?

On receipt of an order form we will post you a brochure. For those who wish to glance over the brochure without delay, we’ve created downloadable versions of both the brochure and the performance calendar.

3. How do I get to the performance venues?

We have produced directions for how to get to each of our performance venues, enabling you to find us easily and quickly. See the following:
Jahrhunderthalle Bochum, Gebläsehalle in the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Pact Zollverein, Mischanlage Kokerei Zollverein and Maschinenhaus Zeche Carl in Essen, Maschinenhalle Zeche Zweckel in Gladbeck and StadthalleMülheim an der Ruhr.

4. What advantages are there in taking up the Ruhrtriennale’s hotel package?

Our hotel package offers involve everything that you require for an unforgettable visit to the Ruhrtriennale: overnight accommodation and a ticket to the event of your choice, as well as other extras to choose from – all at an irresistible price. Treat yourself!

5. How will I be kept up to date with events at the Ruhrtriennale?

If you subscribe to our newsletter, you will find out everything you need to know about the Ruhrtriennale’s activities and events – stay in the loop!

6. How can I get involved with the Ruhrtriennale?

You can support the festival by becoming a member of our Friends Association – which also offers you many attractive advantages: advance information on the programme, preferential advance tickets, invitations to open dress rehearsals, and much much more. Curious? Further information can be found here.

7. Can I return tickets I have already paid for?

Unfortunately it is not possible to return or exchange tickets. Lost or damaged tickets cannot be replaced or reimbursed, including tickets that have been lost in the post. Please see our terms and conditions for further information.

8. If I arrive late for a performance, will I still be allowed in?

Latecomers can only be allowed into a performance at a point where it will not overly disrupt either the performance or other audience members. This means that in the case of performances of a particularly sensitive or delicate nature, it may not be possible to accommodate latecomers, or it may only be possible to allow latecomers in after the interval.

9. What reductions are there?

Booking early, or booking several tickets at once can enable you to qualify for a 10% discount.
There is a discount of 30% for students (up to the age of 26), those on military or community service, trainees and the unemployed on all available tickets. You will be asked to show proof of status.
You will find more information about our reductions here.

10. How did the Ruhrtriennale start?

Following the Emscher Park Internationale Bauaustellung (IBA), which highlighted the aesthetic aspect of buildings saved from dereliction, and in doing so suggested the value of industrial warehouses, shut-down collieries and power stations for culture, the idea of creating a decentralised art festival for the Ruhr region was born. For a detailed history of the Ruhrtriennale, please see here.

11. Are the former industrial performance spaces temperature controlled?

Most of the venues are equipped with heating. On particularly hot or cold days, however, it is possible that the temperature of the spaces cannot be controlled in the same way as in more traditional venues. In cases of extreme temperatures, it is advisable to equip yourself accordingly for your visit.

12. What does the name “Ruhrtriennale” actually mean?

The part of the name, ‘Ruhr’, refers to the region in which the festival takes place: the Ruhr region and its venues housed in former industrial complexes. “Triennale” indicates the length of time for which an artistic director directs the festival. Every three years a new artistic director is announced. By contrast with the usual use of the term ‘Triennale’ the festival does not only take place every three years – rather it is an annual festival, based on a three-year artistic cycle.

13. What else is there to do in the Ruhr region?

There is an enormous amount to discover in the area: from the singular monuments to the industrial complex that are to be found across the whole region, to hundreds of museums, theatres, concert halls and opera houses. The website Ruhrtourismus GmBH offers a comprehensive overview.