Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf, the chief town of the populous district of Düsseldorf, in Rhenish Prussia, is situated on the right bank of the Rhine, at the influx of the Düssel, 24 miles NNW. of Cologne. It was formerly fortified, but its ramparts were converted into promenades in 1802, after the treaty of Lunéville. The streets, many of which are planted with rows of trees, are regular and spacious, while the eleven squares and the extensive garden-grounds in and near the town, are tastefully laid out and embellished with fountains and statues. Düsseldorf has recently considerably developed its trade and industries, but its chief importance is still as a centre of art. In the marketplace rises a colossal equestrian statue of the Elector Johann Wilhelm, who founded a famous picture-gallery here in 1690, most of which, however, was removed to Munich in 1805. The Düsseldorf Academy was founded in 1767, reorganised in 1822, and attained great eminence during 1822-59, under the management of Cornelius and Schadow. Its reputation has again begun to revive. The present building, an imposing Renaissance edifice, with a façade 520 feet in length, was finished in 1879. The Art Hall (1881) contains a gallery of modern paintings. Among the other principal buildings are the old electoral palace (1710-1846; burned 1872); the present palace, the residence of the governor of the province; the government house, the observatory, town-hall (1567), theatre, gymnasium, and public library (50,000 vols.). Of the 25 churches the most remarkable are those of St Andrew, formerly the church of the Jesuits, a handsome and highly ornate structure completed in 1629, and St Lambert, dating from the 14th century. The Hofgarten is one of the finest public gardens in Germany. Adjoining it is the house and garden of the philosopher Jacobi, now the property of the famous 'Malkasten' club of artists. The iron (6000 hands) and cotton (2500 hands) industries of Düsseldorf are very important, and it has also manufactures of pianofortes, paper, soap, beer, chemicals, tobacco, chocolate, glass, &c., besides mills of all kinds, and photographic, lithographic, printing, and other institutions. Its rapidly growing commercial and industrial importance is fostered by its situation on the Rhine and at the junction of several railways. Düsseldorf is also an important educational centre. Pop. (1875) 80,750; (1885) 115,190; (1890) 144,682—mostly Catholics. Made a town by the Duke of Berg in 1288, Düsseldorf became the capital of the duchy in 1385; and in 1609 passed to the Palatinate. In 1806 it became the capital of the duchy of Berg, which was revived for a brief period by Napoleon, and in 1815 was united to Prussia. It was made a free port in 1829. The brothers Jacobi, Heine, Varnhagen von Ense, and the painters Cornelius and Peter von Hess, were born at Düsseldorf.