Top 10 Free Things to do in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia

The extraction, processing and utilization of mineral geo-resources, subsumed here under the term ‘mining’, is a subject with great significance for the development of human civilization. The global importance of mining is increasing today, and will no doubt continue to do so in future. This is clear from the political campaigns and the intense media reactions associated with issues of raw material supplies and shortages, and also resource conservation (recycling and the use of renewable energy sources). The work of the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum, as the leading international museum on the mining industry, takes place within this socially relevant context. As one of the Leibniz Association’s research museums, the DBM is devoted to investigating the extraction, processing and utilization of mineral raw materials in the context of social, cultural, ecological and economic dynamics, spanning different historical periods. The museum shows the lasting impact which these processes have had on the development of society, and preserves relevant evidence for future generations. In short: The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum is the cultural memory of the mining industry.

The winding tower of the Hannover Colliery rises into the sky in the North of Bochum like a mediaeval fortress. At the time it was built the defiant architecture also made a powerful impression on contemporaries. The most splendid exhibit in the engine house is the steamdriven winding engine built in 1893. It is the oldest of its type still standing in its original place. During live demonstrations this technical dinosaur is brought back to life once more. The final wagons of coal were brought to the surface here in 1973. Nowadays the Hannover Colliery promotes art, exhibitions and events from steam festivals to boules tournaments. The “Kids’ Colliery” is a big hit with younger visitors. Here they can play at being coal miners, and in doing so, learn all about the different facets of the work.