Events – for all

House of Encounter, Merianstraße 1 · Montpellier House, Kettengasse 19 · Heidelberg

Celebrating friendship!

Culture is the strongest means of building understanding across borders – and friendship wants to be lived and celebrated. Between Heidelberg and Montpellier, Franco-German cooperation has been peace work in action for decades and lies at the heart of a united Europe. In 2026 three anniversaries coincide: 65 years of town twinning, 60 years of the Maison de Heidelberg and 40 years of the Montpellier House. Together with both houses, we take this as an occasion for a high-profile panel discussion featuring Barbara Gessler (Head of the European Commission Representation in Germany), Florian Drücke (Board, Franco-German Cultural Council & European Movement Germany, Chairman BVMI) and Karla Jauregui (Director Montpellier House), moderated by Nadine Gruner (Director Maison de Heidelberg). Guided visit at the Montpellier House at 18:30 (for association members, registration required), panel discussion at the House of Encounter at 19:30, followed by a reception at the Montpellier House.

Culture as a bridge-builder: 65 years of town twinning, 60 years of the Maison de Heidelberg and 40 years of the Montpellier House. Featuring Barbara Gessler (EU Commission), Florian Drücke (Cultural Council / BVMI), Karla Jauregui (Montpellier House) and Nadine Gruner (Maison de Heidelberg · Moderation). Free admission.