Baltic Sea mills evolving into cultural havens of history
Nestled on the picturesque island of Usedom, the town of Benz is home to a unique cultural gem – the Kulturmühle Benz e.V. Established in 1992, this cultural club has been a staple of the region for over three decades. After a brief downturn, the club has once again grown and flourished.
The club, consisting of 33 dedicated members, plays a significant role in preserving the historic Dutch mill and organising cultural events that bring momentum to the entire region. These events include the annual mill festival at Pentecost, which has been a fixed part of Benz's cultural life for 25 years, and the recently introduced special film night in honour of actor Rolf Ludwig's 100th birthday.
One of the most anticipated events of the year is the "Mill Magic" event, which takes place between Christmas and New Year's Eve. This two-day spectacle attracts approximately 1200 visitors and features a beamer projection, small acting interludes, and musical accompaniment, telling the 800-year history of Benz and the mill. This year, "Mill Magic" will take place on December 27th and 28th from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.
However, the club has faced some challenges. Members have expressed disappointment over negative feedback regarding the lack of whole loaves in the bakery café. It's important to note that the club only offers freshly baked bread slices with lard or herb butter, and the sale of whole loaves is not advertised.
Despite these challenges, the club continues to take on important tasks such as maintenance, cleaning, and upkeep of the mill. The mill's existence is secured through income from the entrance fee, sale of baked goods and drinks at the bakery-cafe, which operates from Tuesday to Sunday.
The club's volunteers come from various backgrounds, including an electrician, a roofer, a medical assistant, a community nurse, an educator, a lawyer, an industrial designer, a journalist, a police officer, a post office employee, an author, and the CEO of the IHK.
In addition to the "Mill Magic" event, the mill will be open on the "Day of Open Heritage" on Sunday, with no entrance fee. Follow Kulturmühle Benz e.V. on Instagram at kultur.muehle.benz to stay updated on their events and activities.
As Sebastian Matthaüs, a member of the club, clarified, it is impossible to please all visitors. However, the club's commitment to preserving history, fostering culture, and bringing the community together remains unwavering. The mill festival at Pentecost and the "Mill Magic" event attract more visitors every year than the nearby mill in Schwerin, demonstrating the club's success in its mission.
