Gasometer Oberhausen

The Gasometer of Gutehoffnungshütte Oberhausen built in 1929 with its height of 117m and a diameter of 67m is Europe’s largest gas holder and the world’s second-largest, too.
Bombed in WWII, it caught fire in 1946 during some repair works and in 1949 was re-built and put in operation again.
After the coking plant in Oberhausen had been closed, the gas holder became redundant and was also closed in 1988. After some controversial discussions about a demolition, the gas holder was finally listed and in 1994 converted into an exhibition hall with an observation deck within the framework of the Internationale Bauausstellung Emscher Park (IBA).
During the conversion, the gas pressure plate originally lying on the gas was tied at a height of about four metres and serves as an exhibition level, as do the gas holder’s floor and the new platforms.
The only other new features are the glass panorama lift and some staircases, so that the gas holder with its exceptional spatial impact is its own largest exhibit.
From the observation deck on the roof, you have a unique panorama view of Oberhausen and the Ruhr area.
In addition, the Gasometer as a symbol of the structural change and an Oberhausen landmark is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records as the tallest exhibition hall in Europe.

Author: Redaktion baukunst-nrw
Last changed on 27.08.2007

Categories:
Engineering » Energy
Architecture » Public Buildings » Cultural (cinemas, theatres, museums)