A miracle of technology 150 years ago, today an old hydroelectric power station in the basement of the factory.
At first glance, it seems as if time has stood still: the massive greywacke buildings of the former Ermen & Engels cotton mill still line the former factory yard. The chimney of the steam engine house also still exists. And a goods train with a consignment of cotton could soon pull up at the old cotton warehouse via the railway tracks that lead from the nearby station to the square. But no thread has been spun here for a long time.
Today, the entire site of the old factory is a listed building. The LVR Industrial Museum has set up an exhibition centre with a heritage trail in the former twisting mill building. At the centre of the permanent presentation of the heritage trail is the largely preserved hydroelectric power station of the Ermen & Engels cotton mill.
As you descend into the turbine cellar, you are greeted by mysterious blue light and the sound of running water, giving the impression that water is still flowing through the corridors with their mighty walls today. Once your eyes have adjusted to the darkness, you can see the huge turbines that drove the machines in the factory via a complicated transmission system of many wheels and cogs.
On the floor above the turbine cellar, the large control panel shows how electricity was distributed in the factory. Finally, the impressive steam engine at the entrance to the museum floor is a reminder that there was not always enough water power available to drive the machines.
The museum also hosts various special exhibitions on different topics. Further information can be found on the museum's website.
From the end of October to the end of March, the museum is closed but open for guided tours for school classes.
Free admission day for all:
1st Friday of the month. Applies to the permanent exhibition only, does not apply to special exhibitions and events.
Information for groups:
Group tour for adults: €60 (plus regular admission)
. regular admission fee)
Group tour for children's groups and school classes: €45
Guided tour in another language (English): €65 - €75 (plus regular admission fee)
Group size: max. 25 people
Duration: 1 hour
Information on accessibility can be found in the section: "Files and downloads". A detailed description can be found on the page www.reisen-fuer-alle.de.
Report on the LVR Museum in Engelskirchen in the Vareo blog.
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