Anyone, who takes a close look around Aachen’s city centre or spends time at the Allianz Park near Soerser Weg, will have probably noticed one of the six foal statues. These small sculptures feature QR codes; scanning one opens a corresponding digital scene – without the need to download an app. The virtual artworks overlay the smartphone’s camera view, merging the real-world environment with an artistically transformed digital layer. The users can move freely through the scenes and take photos or videos.

Shared trophies in digital space

Various equestrian trophies served as the motifs for these virtual art projects. The fusion between sport and art takes centre stage in this initiative. Tim Berresheim is the creative mind behind the concept. The internationally renowned artist from Aachen explained the idea behind “Shared Trophies” as follows: “Achievements in both sport and art should be accessible to everyone. Here at the Soers, sport belongs to us all. Yet, trophies and medals are usually locked up in display cases, in the same way that most artworks are kept in museums. ‘Shared Trophies’ allows us all to share that experience – anytime and always free of charge.”

Motifs created in collaboration with students from Aachen

Tim Berresheim has spent years working at the intersection of analogue and digital art. He has incorporated drawings and design ideas from Aachen-based students into his digital imagery for this art trail. The participants included Kaiser-Karls-Gymnasium, Elementary School and the VHS Aachen College.

The young participants painted medals and trophies, while children’s drawings were artistically adapted and digitally processed by Tim Berresheim.

“The project exceeded our expectations. The graphics created with the help of schools and children – and processed into digital formats by Tim Berresheim – are most impressive. They really appeal to younger generations, too,” reported ALRV Board Member, Philip Erbers, expressing his delight at this new cultural offering close to the Allianz Park.

Six stops on the way, a fresh perspective of Aachen

The tour that is free of charge, connects special locations in Aachen’s city centre with the Allianz Park at the Soers. The six stops form a circular trail, inviting art enthusiasts, families, guests of the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 and all curious passers-by to embark on an individual discovery tour. The project is being supported by the GNT Group, under the direction of the brothers, Frederik and Dr. Hendrik Hoeck. Helping to bring this idea to life was a matter close to the Aachen-based family’s heart: “At GNT, it was important for us to give something back to the city through this project. Thanks to Tim’s work, sport and art are becoming tangible for everyone and actively involving people in these themes. For Aachen, and together with Aachen,” said Frederik Hoeck.

The NEUMAN & ESSER Foundation – established by the siblings, Stefanie and Alexander Peters, also took little convincing to jump on board as supporters of the project. Alexander Peters commented: “The Peters family’s NEUMAN & ESSER Foundation has already been dedicated to art and culture for some time. When we heard about Tim Berresheim’s idea, our immediate response was: ‘We’re in.’ It is simply a wonderful initiative for the people, the city of Aachen and the ALRV.”

The route will remain in place also after the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 and is expected to be accessible at all times for a period of two years.