The Gasometer Oberhausen is a monumental witness to heavy industry and at the same time an inspiring space for artistic exploration
Gasometer Oberhausen, Foto: Dirk Boettger, The Gasometer Oberhausen is a monumental witness to heavy industry and at the same time an inspiring space for artistic exploration

Gasometer Oberhausen

Oberhausen

Industrial monument, impressive exhibition venue or simply a much-loved "culture barrel": the Oberhausen Gasometer, which was commissioned in 1929 as a gas storage facility for the surrounding Gutehoffnungshütte (GHH) smelting works, is now an outstanding landmark of the Ruhr metropolis. With a height of 117 meters, Europe's largest disc gas holder is an impressive reminder of the heavy industry that shaped the Ruhr region for more than a century and has also made a name for itself as a cultural venue far beyond the region thanks to extraordinary exhibitions and art events.

The conversion of the gasometer was as complex as it was spectacular: the gas pressure disc was fixed at a height of 4.20 meters, so that since then an exhibition space of more than 3,000 square meters has opened up above and below it; in addition, a 100-meter-high hall offers space for impressive installations. The gas pressure disk itself was equipped with a raised stage and a grandstand for spectators. A glass panoramic elevator provides a unique view into the hall; the roof of the gasometer can also be reached via an external elevator or 592 steps - panoramic view included. In 1994/1995, the Gasometer made its debut as a cultural venue with the exhibition "Fire and Flame - 200 Years of History in the Ruhr Area" and has since broken audience records with celebrated exhibitions and spectacular models of the moon, the earth and the Matterhorn. In addition, the wrapping artist Christo used the gigantic industrial building for his actions "The Wall" and "Big Air Package". From March 15 to November 30, 2025, the exhibition "Planet Ocean" can be seen in the Gasometer Oberhausen.


 

Important information at a glance

  • Open today
    Tuesday10:00 - 18:00
    Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
    Thursday10:00 - 18:00
    Friday10:00 - 18:00
    Saturday10:00 - 18:00
    Sunday10:00 - 18:00

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    The 'Planet Ocean' exhibition in the Gasometer Oberhausen presents the beauty of the world's oceans through large-format photographs, films and immersive installations.
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