Cathedral of industrial architecture

The Zollverein mine which was closed down in 1986 ranks as one of the most important industrial monuments of the 20th century. In December 2001 it has been declared a world cultural heritage site by the UNESCO. Zollverein thus occupies a place among the world’s most valuable monuments, on a list including such marvels as the pyramids in Egypt and the Taj Mahal. The boiler house was redesigned by Lord Norman Foster of Thames Bank for use by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, and opened in 1997.

Industry bequeathed to us this breathtaking architecture in the Bauhaus style, which was ennobled by the personal signature of British architect Lord Foster of Thames Bank. He designed the new domicile of the Design Zentrum and made the boiler house an inspiring venue for events.

The "Schürerstand" (stoker's position) is the heart of the boiler house. Between steel steam boilers, the entrance to this gigantic cathedral opens up a new stage for private and corporate presentations, exhibitions on design and topical subjects, and congresses and representative receptions.

Along steel girders, past steel pipework and burnt tiles, the walkway along the can deliver had gallery level opens up a vista of over 4,000 sqm of exhibition space.

The new architecture in glass and concrete merged with the old pipework, fittings and steel staircases into a stage for businesses, politics and culture.

www.fosterandpartners.com