Culture of Oberhausen. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Oberhausen will please tour-goers with a variety of historical attractions and cultural centers. In the city, you can find the LVR Industrial Museum, one of the most amazing and unique in Germany. This museum has six branches, one of which is located in Oberhausen. Many years ago, the opening of new industrial centers contributed to the city's rapid development. Now the main part of the exposition presented in the museum is dedicated to the history of metallurgy, heavy industry, and industrial archeology. Even though the museum's subject is serious, it conducts fascinating tours that will be interesting to visit even with small children. Among its most unusual exhibits is a 10-meter hammer weighting 53 tons, as well as a giant steam locomotive. Apart from industrial attributes, the museum also keeps a large collection of historical documents and often shows thematic films.

One of the city's main historical symbols is the medieval castle Burg Vondern. It has changed many owners since the 13th century when it was built. The castle has managed to preserve many of its pristine elements. Until 1947, the building was privately owned. Subsequently, it was transferred to municipal ownership and later transformed into a large cultural center. Now it houses a small archaeological museum displaying finds discovered in the vicinity of the castle. Part of the halls of the historic building is reserved for temporary exhibitions and music concerts, and solemn halls can be rented for special occasions. Every year in August, knight tournaments and historic festivals take place on the castle's grounds.

An architectural monument of a later period is Schloss Oberhausen bearing the same name as the city. This classic-style castle was built at the beginning of the 18th century in an incredibly beautiful natural area on the riverbank. According to historical data, the very first castle was erected on this site at the turn of the 12th-13th centuries but it has not survived to this day. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times, and today so now you can see the building dating back to the 18th century. The last major reconstruction of the castle was carried out in 1947. Today, there is an art museum within its walls. Currently, some of its halls are reserved for temporary exhibition programs, so it'd be interesting to visit it even for those who are already familiar with the main exposition. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most unusual symbols of the city is the Gasometer Oberhausen that has been the largest gas holder in Europe since its construction. The construction of this industrial facility took place in the period from 1927 to 1929, and in 1988, it has ceased to serve its intended purpose. The industrial building was not destroyed but converted into an amazing cultural center. Now it is the most visited object of Oberhausen. The large building has several thematic exhibitions. Here you can see incredible art installations, collections of sculptures, and paintings of various styles. Photo exhibitions are often held in the center too. On the upper floors of the industrial building, there are three observation platforms, which are considered the best in town.

Fans of unusual tours and attractions should go explore the vicinity of the city where Halde Haniel is located. This stockpile was formed naturally through the course of industrial development of local deposits. It is notable for its scale and height of 159 meters. Now it is located in a vast landscape park where fascinating tours are held every day. Several years ago, a kind of amphitheater was formed in the park. In the warm season, open-air concerts and theatrical performances take place here regularly.

Oberhausen has preserved several old mines, which now serve as interesting industrial attractions. One of the most interesting is Zeche Osterfeld that can be found in a vast landscape park. During exciting tours of the mine, you can see old industrial facilities, as well as go down and check the conditions under which work was carried out here many years ago.