Industrial heritage of NRW

Backdrops for art, culture and the creative sector

NRW’s industrial heritage is immense: no other German state has such an abundance and variety of industrial monuments. Numerous themed routes take in mines, gasometers, coking plants, blast furnaces, production plants and lifting machinery. Not only do these decommissioned sites keep the state’s industrial heritage alive, they also bear witness to structural change and act as backdrops for art, culture and the creative sector. Take the opportunity to relive the industrial past and experience modern creativity at old industrial sites in your NRW!

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Zeche Zollverein am Abend, © Jochen Tack / Stiftung Zollverein

UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein

Previously the site of toils, today Zollverein offers industrial culture at its best: art, concerts, festivals and sporting opportunities set against an impressive backdrop.

Lichtinstallation 320 Grad Licht von Urbanscreen, © Thomas Wolf

Gasometer in Oberhausen

Where once gas was stored a panoramic elevator now operates: wonderful views from 117 metres above sea level and fascinating exhibitions are sure to inspire at the Gasometer Oberhausen.

Haus Ripshorst im Emscher Landschaftsparkt, © RVR Stefan Schejok Presse

Haus Ripshorst in Oberhausen

Discover the nature of the Ruhr Area! Leaving the historic manor house of Haus Ripshorst you will enter the Emscher Landscape Park and tread the “From the primeval forest to the cultural forest” path.

LWL Museum Henrichshütte in Hattingen

At the demonstration foundry watch as the iron is melted and then accompany your children to the play blast furnace – the Henrichshütte Ironworks in Hattingen are more than just a museum.

Architektur Kokerei, © Jochen Tack Stiftung Zollverein

Hansa Coking Plant in Dortmund

Enter the Nature & Technology Adventure Trail and discover the history of coal and coke at the museum of the Hansa Coking Plant industrial monument.

Nachtlichtaufnahme mit Blick auf die Kranbrücke, © Thomas Berns

Landscape Park Duisburg Nord

This is industrial heritage: few other former industrial sites are used so diversely, creatively, athletically and culturally as that of the Landscape Park.

Das prunkvolle Jugendstilportal der Maschinenhalle auf Zeche Zollern in Dortmund, © M. Holtappels-LWL

Zollern Colliery in Dortmund

Take a look behind the façade of this magnificent building: the palace of the work was once a coal mine where gruelling work was done. The LWL Museum tells exciting stories about life at that time.