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Zeche Zollverein

Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex the Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr

The Zollverein XII coal mine industrial complex was constructed from 1928 to 1932 by Fritz Schupp and Martin Kremmer, leading industrial architects of their time in the Ruhr. The “Bauhaus” style buildings were considered to be not only the most modern but also the “most beautiful in the world“. Today all the buildings are listed and are now home to a living cultural centre comprising the Zollverein Museum, the North-Rhine Westphalian Design Centre housed in the former boiler house, the Zollverein Art Shaft in pit houses 1/2/8 or the "Erfahrungsfeld zur Entfaltung der Sinne" exhibition in pit houses 3/7/10 all of which are attractive places to visit. The Zollverein coking plant today is home to the "Stiftung Industriedenkmalpflege und Geschichtskultur“ foundation whilst in the former salt store visitors can now enjoy the permanent exhibition "Palace of Projects" by Ilya & Emilia Kabakov.

The Casino Zollverein offers a range of excellent cuisine set in an unusual industrial atmosphere. In December 2001 the complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

No future without the past: the Zollverein Museum

The history of coal is however far more than just this brief insight into the industrial history of the Zollverein. This project which forms part of an ongoing regional structural development prepares visitors for the new developmental phase of this World Heritage Site which is now home to the design and art centre. 

The complex is just a 10 minute drive from the hotel.