Dating back to the late 19th century- early 20th century, the Zollern Colliery was designed by architect Paul Knobble with touches of Gothic revival. The site consisted of a blacksmith’s shop, a first-aid station, a fire station, baths, bureaus and a store room that would hold the tools for the job.

For the time, the central engine house installed here was the best of its kind. The construction consisted of an iron framework filled with red bricks. The lead glazed blue tiles at the entrance were designed by Bruno Möhring that contributed to the Art Nouveaux style of the building. Walk in and you see a control board made from marble that is set in bronze. A beautiful brass clock is suspended from the ceiling.

It is uncanny how impeccable the modern open space is. Today, the facility is part of the Westphalian Industrial Museum. You can explore the underground labyrinth and cellar of the coal mine and see just how trying the lives of the miners and labourers were. The museum also explains the industrial spur and its effect on the Germany. The building is literally the first technical building in the country and if you like architecture, this place is sure to leave a rather special place in your memory.

• Contact Number: + 49 (0)231 6961-111/211

Admission Fee:

• School Children: 2 Euros
• Reduced prices: 2.50 Euros
• Family day ticket: 9 Euros
• Groups (16 people and more), per head: 3.50 Euros
• Guided tours in English: 52 Euros +admission fee

• Tuesdays to Sundays and bank holidays: 10.00 am– 6.00 pm (final admission: 5.30 pm)
• Closed on Mondays (except bank holidays) and from 24th of December to 2nd of January.

• Subway: Walbertstr./ Schulmuseum (4.5 kilometers)
• Train: Dortmund-Bövinghausen
• By renting a Bike.

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