The Vis­i­odrom in the Wup­per­tal gas tank

When the lights go out in the Vis­i­odrom, the 33 high-per­form­ance pro­ject­ors come on, and the sound wall kicks in, guests can be­come fully im­mersed in a dif­fer­ent world. The lis­ted Wup­per­tal gas tank lets geo­met­ric shapes, draw­ings, and pho­tos flick­er across the 6500 square metres of pro­jec­tion sur­face dur­ing its ex­hib­i­tion shows.

Driving rhythms set in, serving as the foundation for a storm of paintings, shapes, and colours, before shadows and forms flash between the struts of the former gas vessel. The steel giant that represents living industrial culture in the district of Heckinghausen today offers an ideal space for an immersive experience in direct proximity of the suspension railway.

Disconnected from the grid after 45 years of operation in 1997, it was listed as a monument in 1998 and finally converted from 2015 to 2019. Since then, it has been the home of Europe’s largest 360‑degree screen on five storeys, a separate exhibition area, and gastronomy offerings on the ground floor as well as a gym on a number of mezzanine ones.

Exhibitions have already run on subjects such as “Humans”, a visually powerful homage to humanity with a presentation of peoples and tribes, and “Monet” in the cinema-like hall, offering a definitive experiential space at a height of 47 metres. The latter show offered comprehensive insights into the French master’s oeuvre from July 2022 to July 2023, with more than 250 works on display, and quickly turned into a much-acclaimed public favourite. Leonardo da Vinci moved into the gas vessel in August 2023. Though only 17 of the polymath’s works are shown now, the presentation skilfully integrates them into the thematic context of the Renaissance. Anatomy, geometry, mathematics, architecture, and the human being play decisive roles as central elements in it.

Guests who have seen the show and quenched their thirst for knowledge with the illustrative objects, exhibits, and information texts on the lowest floor are advised to take a final detour to the skywalk in 70 metres’ height. The viewing platform can be reached by lift or on foot via the outside staircase. Once up there, explorers can enjoy a proper Wuppertal panorama or endeavour to take a snapshot as they walk along the parapet. Canyons made up of houses, hilltops, and the quietly flowing river Wupper can be captured by cameras easily at designated photo spots. The view will reach far across the idyllic landscape of the Bergisches Städtedreieck in good weather.