CHIO > CHIO-Museum & History Tour

Journey through the history of equestrian sport in Aachen

When the CHIO museum was inaugurated in the year 2007, nobody could have guessed how popular this museum was going to be only three years later. This is due to the museum’s special concept, which combines facts and emotional experiences spiced up with absolute passion for the equestrian sport.

On an exhibition surface measuring 130 square metres, the visitors can discover a great deal, in many cases in the form of very personal objects from the eventful CHIO history, such as for instance the old riding boots of the legendary show-jumper, Hans Günter Winkler, or Nicole Uphoff’s saddle from her famous horse, Rembrandt. In addition, trophies and medals, documents, photos, rarities including an original World Championship winners‘ podium as well as the odd surprise or two ensure that visiting the museum is an entertaining experience.

In May this year, a further attraction was introduced at the showgrounds: The so-called “History Tour”. This tour allows the visitors to inform themselves about the building history of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein (ALRV) with the aid of twelve information boards, which are located in prominent places throughout the CHIO grounds. For example the History Tour leads past the Main Stadium, the Soers cross-country course, the Deutsche Bank Stadium and the stables, thus accompanying the visitors on an exciting journey into the past of the ALRV. The development of the buildings and infrastructure on the CHIO grounds – the History Tour arouses the curiosity of the visitors and leaves no questions unanswered. Additional photos and illustrations on the information boards – from the founding years through to the present day – appear to bring “the old days“ back to life again.

This year the ALRV looks back on 112 years of the association’s history. The history and stories of the ALRV are as many-sided and colourful as the equestrian sport itself. Thus, the ALRV launched the History Tour under the motto “Tangible History”. In this way they are expanding their service, above all on non-CHIO days. Look at some impressions of the CHIO-Museum here.

Opening hours CHIO-Museum:
During the event (July 9 - 18), you can visit the museum on prior registration at the CHIO info point at fixed times. Outside the duration of the CHIO Aachen, the museum can be visited regularly on Wednesdays (noon to 5 p.m.) and on Fridays (9 a.m. to noon).

Access History Tour:
During the CHIO Aachen, the History Tour boards can be accessed free with a ticket / accreditation for the show grounds. (except boards no. 11 "Stable Area" and 12 "Indoor Arenas", due to the stable area's restricted entrance). Outside the duration of the CHIO Aachen, the History Tour (all twelve boards) is accessible on workdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Location / Contact:
Albert-Servais-Allee 50, D-52070 Aachen
Museum: ALRV offices / Riders Stand Main Stadium, 2nd Floor
Tel: +49-(0)241-9171-0
E-mail: museum@chioaachen.de