400 years of turbulent and affecting history, impulses for the present and the future of the city influence the anniversary year. Four main features characterise the history of Mannheim and make the city distinctive: liberality and tolerance, mobility and modernity, the infrastructure being located between two big rivers and the magnificent tradition in music. These are the four fundamental traits upon which the projects for the upcoming anniversary festivities have been selected. Surely enough citizens and guests of Mannheim will enjoy this city’s exceptional flair, its attraction and charm.

Furthermore Mannheim will be moved to the centre of attention, not only regionally but also nationwide and internationally – as the vibrant centre of the Europäische Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar (European Metropolitan Region Rhein-Neckar).