The Hannover Colliery
Experience industrial heritage in Bochum
It looks like a medieval castle, but it was actually a mine. From 1857 to 1973, the Hannover colliery extracted hard coal from its mighty Malakow tower. In the machine hall, the large drive wheel of the steam hoisting machine from 1893 turns during demonstrations. It is the oldest example that can be seen in its original location in the Ruhr area. The highlight for the youngest visitors is our mining playground, ‘Zeche Knirps’.
Opening hours
The museum and the children's mine ‘Zeche Knirps’ are currently closed for the winter break.
The new season starts on 21 March 2026.
Address
LWL-Museum Zeche Hannover
Günnigfelder Straße 251
44793 Bochum
Tel: +49 (0)234 282539-0
Fax: +49 (0)234 282539-19
Die Kartendarstellung steht derzeit leider nicht zur Verfügung.
Diversity and change
The Hannover Colliery is an impressive testimony to the development of the entire region. For centuries immigrants from many nations played an important role here. The closure of the mine in 1973 was an early sign of the structural change in the city of Bochum. Its development was characterised by diversity and change and they are the central themes in the museum.
Plan your Visit
Information on opening hours, admission prices, catering and how to get there.
Outstanding technology
The Hannover colliery was a development centre for innovative mining technology.
