Neu-Isenburg lies directly to the south of Frankfurt, the metropolis on the Main. The municipal area, with the exception of the town itself, is entirely woodland. The town was founded in 1699 by Huguenots, French protestants who were being persecuted in France. Johann Philipp, Count of Isenburg-Offenbach guaranteed religious freedom to the exiles. The town has a strict grid layout and streets leading diagonally to the central market square. Today it is a modern centre for services but despite this it also has a rich cultural scene.
A must for a trip to Neu-Isenburg is a visit to the famous Hugenottenhalle, a popular cultural centre for the region. This multipurpose hall was built in 1977 and can accommodate up to 1,000 people for events of all kinds. The theatre programme of the Hugenottenhalle, well-known touring theatre companies, big rock concerts and dance performances and readings by well-known authors: all this attracts audiences from across the country and people on city trips to Neu-Isenburg. Many people visit the Haus zum Löwen Museum on Löwengasse Street, which has fascinating exhibitions relating to the town including the absorbing story of the Huguenots and how the town was founded. During your visit go down into the historic undercroft for a performance by Spottlicht, the satirical theatre company, which has now changed its name to 2. Deutsches Äppelwoi-Theatre.
The Forum of Modernity Municipal Gallery on Schulgasse Street in the Old Town Hall is widely known. Artists known across the country present their works in changing exhibitions which focus on the contemporary. Allow yourself to be surprised by unusual and sometimes confusing motifs and perspectives and by paintings with exhilarating explosions of colour. In Zeppelinheim the Zeppelin Museum has fascinating exhibits to remind you of the time when this was the aviator district for Frankfurt Airport. The crews and ground personnel for the famous airships lived and worked here. The permanent exhibition covers 300m2 and shows original parts of the Zeppelins which document the fascinating technology and remarkable comfort of the airships. The films about the history of the Zeppelins are also intriguing.
Regardless of whether you go to Neu-Isenburg on a short trip or a mini-break, you mustn't miss the three-day Open Doors Festival in the summer with over 40 bands and artists playing all styles of music, and especially, don't miss "Watzedonien" during Carnival. The climax of Carnival is Shrove Monday which is called Rag Monday here. The colourful Rag Monday procession with "Watzen" – jesters dressed as Huguenots – and "Oberlumpen" in patched suits attracts a massive invasion of visitors. Traditionally, people eat lentil soup in the pedestrian zone before the procession. In the evening there is a great Carnival Assembly in the Hugenottenhalle.
