Ruhr Museum — Attraction in Erkrath

The Ruhr Museum in Essen is a captivating journey through the rich history and industrial heritage of the Ruhr region. Housed within the former coal-washing plant of the Zollverein Coal Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the museum seamlessly blends the past with the present, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors of all ages. Upon entering, you're greeted by a striking juxtaposition of industrial architecture and modern design. The museum's layout is thoughtfully curated, guiding you through various exhibitions that delve into the region's coal mining past, its transformation into a cultural and industrial powerhouse, and its ongoing evolution. One of the highlights is the exhibition showcasing the immense scale of the coal mining operations. You can explore the vast machinery, the towering coal bunkers, and the intricate network of tunnels that once powered the industrial heart of Germany. The interactive displays and multimedia installations bring the history to life, making it engaging for both adults and children. The museum also delves into the social and cultural aspects of the Ruhr region. You'll learn about the lives of the miners and their families, the impact of industrialization on the landscape, and the region's vibrant artistic and musical scene. The exhibits are well-researched and presented in a clear and informative manner, making it easy to understand the complex historical context. For families with young children, the Ruhr Museum offers a variety of hands-on activities and interactive displays that keep them entertained and engaged. The "Kids' World" section provides a dedicated space for children to explore and learn about the museum's exhibits in a fun and playful way. The entrance fee to the Ruhr Museum is incredibly reasonable, making it an affordable outing for families and individuals alike. Even better, children under the age of 18 are admitted free of charge, making it a budget-friendly option for a day of cultural exploration. Overall, the Ruhr Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Ruhr region or industrial heritage in general. It's a fascinating journey through time that offers a unique perspective on the past, present, and future of this dynamic region. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing, the Ruhr Museum is...

Let me start that's not a bad museum, the amount and quality of stuff, especially the geological is top notch. It's just not what you would expect from something located in a UNESCO site in a coal washing plant. Especially since, when you enter one of the longest escalators you will see in your life and arrive at the entrance level you are greeted with some cool looking industrial stuff. You feel like you actually went back in time and entered the factory, then there are stairs, that are mysteriously glowing in an orange color. All of that bursts like a bubble when you enter the permanent exhibition which is using almost nothing of the the place itself or the industry that was located here. Of course there is a whole floor dedicated to the Ruhr region history nowadays, and at the bottom when there are the history sections where you can see some environment damages and machinery that was used in old times. It's all about the Rurh region, but why not use this whole UNESCO complex you have here? Use the transmission belts to travel between the buildings and the exhibits. It's not like you would have to build them, they are there, you can even see them through the glass doors. Show some coal mining and coke production, not with a movie, hidden somewhere in a corner, but with lights, moving objects and sounds... something that would keep the feeling you have at the entrance. There are guided tours that show a bit more, however unless you are interested in the history that you could read on your own, there is little to see on those. I am actually mad at the wasted potential of this place. It could've been something that's one of a kind in the world, with this preserved site and what you get is a good museum for a middle...

Great place to spend time learning about “Ruhrgebiet”, the area where mining industry was in full bloom during the Industrial Revolution. I didn’t have much time to finish all the tours, and it’s an ambitious museum that showcases almost everything related to the Ruhr area. Like many of the reviews have mentioned, I’d recommend at least 3-4 hours if you’re looking forward to examining all the museum has to offer. The museum is one of a kind; situated close to the past machineries used in mining, it gives access to the actual mining site (ticket sold separately) and itself a coal washing plant building. The entry ticket includes access to the rooftop panoramic view. The museum gives visitors abundant knowledge about the Ruhr area through a collection of historical and geographical records. I was hoping to see more of how the mining process works, but this museum is dedicated to the area itself and mining wasn’t the sole focus of this museum. To be noted that the museum shop offers quite unique items and is worth browsing. There’s a caveat: it didn’t offer a specific children’s itinerary or guide to the permanent exhibition, which I...