Visitors, who currently enter the ElisenGalerie are greeted by a massive show jumping fence sponsored by Sparkasse Aachen. This attraction proved to be a popular photo motif on the exhibition’s opening night already. As people made their way through the arcade in the city centre, passers-by frequently stopped, quickly becoming captivated by the extraordinary exhibits, fascinating details about major historic events and photographs capturing emotional winning rides.

The exhibition unites the memories of six World Equestrian Championships held at the Soers in Aachen and also serves to boost the joyful anticipation for this year’s event that is presently in the final stages of preparation: the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026, featuring the battles for medals across six disciplines. However, before this next major event captures the attention of the global equestrian world from 11 to 23 August, it is certain worthwhile casting a look back at past events: “Aachen has been making World Championship history since 1955. The six championships held since then have been milestones in the development of the event,” stated Dr. Doris Beaujean, curator of the exhibition. She has been responsible for the archives and museum of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) for decades and knows its history better than anyone else. She can recount special moments – for example the first woman ever to claim the World Show Jumping Championships title (Canada’s Gail Greenough, who achieved this feat right here in Aachen) or the emotional farewell ceremony for the equestrian legend, Hans Günter Winkler. “This exhibition showcases artifacts, both large and small, which bear witness to the past, alongside video footage spanning from 1955 to 2006. This is the equestrian sport history, social history and, above all, this is Aachen,” she explained enthusiastically.

Norbert Laufs, Chairman of the Board of Sparkasse Aachen, also accentuated this significance. He emphasised that Sparkasse Aachen has been supporting the ALRV for over seven decades as a “friend, sponsor and partner.” Throughout this time, the Championships have proved to be outstanding events. “World Equestrian Championships generate an incredibly positive buzz; the intense emotions and special atmosphere are always carried over from the show grounds at the Soers into the city centre,” Laufs recounted. Dr. Ralf Otten, Mayor of Aachen, added that the exhibition documents are more than merely an extraordinary chapter in Aachen’s sporting history: “They also arouse memories – of a strong sense of community, international encounters and emotional moments.” They also underline the professionalism, passion, hospitality and volunteers’ tremendous commitment that go into the events held at the Soers.

These are words that Birgit Rosenberg is no doubt pleased to hear. As member of the ALRV Board, she reported that more than 800 riders and horses are expected to travel to the Soers for the upcoming FEI World Championships Aachen 2026. “Twenty years after the highly acclaimed 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, we are once again welcoming the world equestrian elite to magnificent championships here at the Allianz Park. It is time to say: Welcome Home!”

The exhibition at the ElisenGalerie is open to the public free of charge from 24 July to 26 August. It is definitely worth a visit!