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Museums

Zollverein in Ruhr

Industrial landscape
© Ruhr Tourismus / Joachim Schumacher

Once a perfect example of the coal mining and coal processing industry of the 19th and 20th century, this unique and outstanding cultural venue offers a huge range of attractions. Zollverein reveals a rich spectrum of leisure activities. Whether peace and quiet, relaxation, fun and games, there is something here for everyone on this enormous one hundred hectare site.

Zollverein offers a unique range of attractions, permanent collections, high class installations and exhibitions. Furthermore, a huge number of activities and workshops are open to visitors to view or take part in. First-class arts and crafts are also represented. Zollverein also caters for all culinary tastes in unforgettable surroundings, ranging quick snacks to a selection of upscale dishes.

Four of the five old shaft sites have been preserved along with underground equipment, the central coking plant, the spoil tips, transport sites and the colliers’ housing estates. In short the industrial mining complex is a perfect example of the coal mining and coal processing industry during the 19th and 20th centuries.

This is the only mining site in the world where the complex processes involved in this branch of industry can be seen and clearly understood. For this reason Zollverein is the symbol of industrial heritage in the Ruhr Metropolis, the region of Germany most deeply affected by the social, economic, aesthetic and industrial upheavals during the age of coal and steel.

By Vincent Green, Mar 22 2021

Stiftung Zollverein

Fritz-Schupp-Allee 15
45141 Essen

+49 201 246 810

Cyclist on narrow modern bridge

CYCLING IN RUHR

Cycling in the Ruhr Metropolis can be enjoyable and most rewarding. Bike paths criss cross the whole of the region and weave their way across most urban areas. Hop on a bicycle to discover quieter city districts or nearby villages. Try riding along the banks of local rivers, in wilder natural spaces or the open meadows of outlying regions.

Visitors viewing art

EXHIBITIONS IN RUHR

Art venues and museums across the Ruhr Metropolis regularly present selections of their own fine pieces in well arranged exhibitions. Regular exhibits of fascinating or rare artworks on loan from across the globe attract large numbers of enthusiasts too. Photo © Jochen Schlutius.

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