Do you want to experience the beginning of the iron and steel industry up close? Then the LVR Industrial Museum in St. Antony-Hütte in Oberhausen, the first ironworks in the Ruhr region, is the right place for you. The museum housed here tells you about the beginning of this industry in 1758 which contributed significantly to the development of the Ruhr region. Even though at first glance you can’t imagine heavy industry in the idyllic half-timbered house situated on a pond from the Elpenbach in Oberhausen, it was here where crude iron first flowed from a furnace.

Deception, violence and power politics

On more than 225 m² of exhibition space, the LVR Industrial Museum presents the exciting history of St. Antony-Hütte in the former director’s residence. The impressively designed permanent exhibition shows its role as the birthplace of the Ruhr’s industry, the economic crime which played out here and the international group which ultimately developed from it. Deception, violence and power politics and not least the delicate role of the Church are the fabric from which the drama of the region’s first ironworks developed. The LVR Industrial Museum in St. Antony-Hütte in Oberhausen presents all of these exciting connections. In the adjoining LVR Industrial Archaeological Park, you can also marvel at the exposed ruins of the old works on an approximately 1,000-m² excavation site.

Playful learning for young visitors

Little ones will also get a lot out of a trip to St. Antony-Hütte. A play area next to the museum provides fun and action. A ten-metre-high tower, which is a replica of a furnace, invites you to slide and climb. Playful and design elements at the same time explain to children the processes within the furnace. A large meadow next to the play area invites you to relax and have a picnic.