Over 770 years ago, people began to quarry and burn the limestone; since the 17th century at the latest, Rüdersdorf was considered the building material supplier for Berlin. The open-cast mine is still active today and the cement works exports Rüdersdorf cement throughout Europe. The limestone can be extracted in open-cast mining operations, as the rock layers of the Triassic shell limestone are exposed on the earth's surface here. Rüdersdorf is therefore a minor sensation, as the shell limestone in the North German Basin is normally found at depths of up to 3,000 meters. Some layers of the Muschelkalk are very rich in fossils, making it easy for amateur palaeontologists to find what they are looking for.
The museum park
The 17-hectare site of the museum park is home to a large number of historical buildings and facilities that were used to transport or process the raw material limestone from the adjacent open-cast mine. The technical buildings, which were built according to the designs of famous architects such as Schinkel, form a unique architectural ensemble. It is one of the most important industrial monuments in Germany. The buildings, facilities and open spaces are freely accessible to all visitors and provide plenty of space for art and culture, excursions, seminars and workshops, and celebrations.
Geology
If you would rather touch 240 million year old limestone and search for fossils, the geological tour is just the thing for you! After a bit of theory in the geological exhibition, the Land Rover takes you out into the still active limestone quarry. Here you can recover fossilized animals from the former Triassic Sea with your own hands.
Land Rover tours
What role does open-cast mining play in the history of Rüdersdorf? How have working conditions changed over time? What techniques are used to extract the raw material limestone? How much has open-cast mining shaped the surrounding area and its people? All these questions are answered on this tour.
Visitors are given an insight into the entire extraction chain of this important raw material and can get an idea of the dimensions of limestone extraction with a view of gigantic dump trucks and the crushing plant.
History of building materials
The historical tour takes you on a relaxed walk across the grounds of the museum park, past the buildings and workplaces of bygone times. With the help of old pictures and photos, you can understand how they were built and how they worked and bring them to life.
The historical torchlight hike is also an unforgettable adventure for families, allowing them to experience nature and the history of this place in a very special atmosphere. With a torch/torchlight and sturdy footwear, the trail leads along the open-cast mine along paths steeped in history through imposing buildings.
Events
Whether on the festival meadow next to the pulley pillar, on the edge of the limestone quarry or in front of the Rumford kilns - events of all kinds become unforgettable moments here. The breathtaking scenery of the venues and the silhouettes of the technical structures at dusk frame the spectacle on stage.
Extras:
- Disabled access
- Museum store, museum café
- Karts and handcarts for hire
- Geological tours, incl. fossil hunting
- Land Rover tours
- Historical tours
- Historical torchlight tour
Weather
