Rüdersdorf Museum Centre – a geological window in time

Rüdersdorf limestone: Significant monuments in Berlin and Brandenburg such as Brandenburg Gate, Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, Berlin's Olympic stadium and others have one thing in common: They were built with limestone from Rüdersdorf:

More than 750 years ago, people began exploiting and firing limestone, but not until the 17th century had Rüdersdorf become a major supplier for this kind of building material to Berlin. To this day, the mine has remained active and the cement works has been exporting cement from Rüdersdorf across Europe. Limestone can be exploited in an open-cast mine because the rock layers of shell limestone from the Triassic period are exposed to the earth's surface. Rüdersdorf can be considered a little sensation because the shell limestone in the north German basin is normally found 3,000 metres below the earth's surface. Several layers are rich in fossils, allowing hobby palaeontologists to make quick discoveries.

The “Museumpark” 
Several historic facilities are situated on the 17-ha area of the museum park that were used to transport or process the limestone resource from the adjacent mine. Our technical monuments modelled on the designs of famous master builders such as Schinkel, form a one-of-a-kind architectural ensemble. It is considered one of Germany's most significant industrial monuments. The buildings, facilities, and vacant areas are accessible to all visitors, providing the right space for art and culture, excursions, seminars, workshops, celebrations, and social gatherings. Rent a go-cart, a bike, e-bike or canoe to further explore the surroundings.

Mining & geology
Would you much rather touch and search for 240-million-year-old limestones and fossils? Perhaps, a geological guided tour will then be the right thing for you! After a little bit of theory in the geology museum you are headed to the collection site inside the mine.
On a Land Rover you ride along the edge of the still active limestone mine. The tour on four wheels reveals interesting details about open-cast mining. 
The driver is also your tourist guide, giving you essential information about the tour. 

History of limestone as a construction material
Leisurely walk across the museum park past the historic buildings and work sites. Their development and functioning can be conceived and revived through historical images and pictures.

Events
Events of any kind are held on the fairground's stage right on the edge of the mine, ensuring unforgettable moments. The breath-taking scenery of the venue and mystical silhouettes cast by the technical monuments at dusk provide the perfect backdrop for stage performances. 
Large-scale festivities are held all year round against the backdrop of historic monuments and technical masterpieces of engineering. Among the festivities held here are Walpurgis Night, Halloween, and the traditional “Bergfest”. The latter has remained a traditional celebration in Rüdersdorf since 1841. His majesty, King Frederick William IV, once gave the miners a generous donation contingent upon holding a festival.

Additional information/tours:
Accessible
Museum shop, museum café
Geological tours, incl. fossils search
Historical tours
Land Rover tours