Glückaufhaus

The Glückaufhaus in Essen's Südviertel is a historic office building constructed in 1922 and 1923 to designs by the architect Ernst Bode. Originally conceived as an imposing administrative building to house municipal offices and business associations, it dominates the intersection of Rüttenscheider Straße, Friedrichstraße, and Bismarckstraße. The facade combines Neoclassical and Expressionist elements and is marked by the contrast between brick and light-colored Ruhr sandstone. This monumental style served as a model for other buildings in the Ruhr region. The building survived World War II almost undamaged and, after the period of British military administration, was used for many years by the mining industry. Following extensive renovations in which the Expressionist entrance hall and foyer were restored to their original condition, the building now houses modern offices. Visitors can admire the landmark-protected architecture and take a look at the sculpture of a steelworker in front of the main entrance. Since 2011, the building has been part of the Route of Industrial Heritage, and the complex also includes the reopened Filmstudio Glückauf cinema.