Ins Blaue Hinein Träumen

In 2016, the German city of Rheine stood on the brink of major transformation. In the heart of its historic center, a new shopping complex was set to rise — a plan that initially met with skepticism. But developer Hermann Klaas envisioned more than just a building; he wanted to create a place the townspeople could take pride in. Inspired by Rotterdam’s Markthal and eager to make art a central element, he turned to Mothership for collaboration.

The building, Emsgalerie, feels like a covered street linking the city and the river. Inside, its three ceilings provided the perfect canvas for an artwork that not only creates visual unity but also tells stories — about Rheine’s history of textiles, salt mining, trade, and nature. Mothership developed a powerful concept that weaves these themes together into one immersive narrative artwork.

Artist Margriet Smulders was selected for the commission and, with her dreamlike photographic style, transformed the space into a floral sky bursting with color and depth. Ins Blaue hinein träumen — to dream into the blue — perfectly captures the essence of the experience: a moment of reverie amid everyday life.

Mothership served as curator, concept developer, producer, and project manager. From concept to installation, the team ensured a seamless process — resulting in an artwork that gives the Emsgalerie its distinct and memorable identity.

The result? A shopping center that now attracts 4.9 million visitors per year — making it as much of a draw as the Markthal. At the same time, it has boosted local pride, visitor dwell time, and even property value. Art as a driver of experience and economy — exactly what Mothership stands for.