Ruhr Museum

The Ruhr Museum in Essen sees itself as the memory and showcase of the Ruhr region, and its permanent exhibition documents the area's nature, culture, and history. One of the oldest museums in the region, the institution looks back on more than a century of history that began in 1904 with the opening of the Museum of the City of Essen. After several moves and name changes, including a period as the Ruhrlandmuseum, it relocated in 2008 to the coal washery of the Zollverein coal mine. This move to the UNESCO World Heritage site, which was converted according to plans by Rem Koolhaas, marked a new chapter in the museum's presentation of the region.

Your visit begins at a height of 24 meters, reached by a long outdoor escalator. From there, the tour leads through four levels designed by the Stuttgart firm HG Merz. The 17-meter level examines myths and structures of the present-day Ruhr region, while the 12-meter level shows the pre-industrial development as well as collections on archaeology, ethnology, and natural history. The lowest level, at six meters, is devoted to the history of the Industrial Age. A particular highlight is the large diorama depicting the formation of hard coal in a swamp forest 300 million years ago, illustrating the geological foundations of industrialization.

In addition to the permanent exhibition on history and natural history, the museum regularly hosts changing special exhibitions that broaden its offerings thematically. You can also relax in a café and a museum shop on the entrance level. The museum also operates several branches, including the Mineral Museum in Kupferdreh and the Deilbachtal museum landscape, which round out what's on offer locally. With lectures, film series, and extensive educational programs, the museum appeals to a broad audience and invites you to explore the region's identity in greater depth.