Brandenburg Industrial Museum

In 1914, the first Siemens-Martin furnaces went into production at the steelworks in Brandenburg an der Havel. As a major armaments factory during the Second World War, the plant was completely dismantled at the end of the war. But in 1949 the GDR government decided to rebuild it, and by the following year four Siemens-Martin furnaces were melting more than 51,000 tonnes of crude steel. By 1967, eight more furnaces of the same type had been built, and in 1980 two more modern electric furnaces went into operation. By now, the Brandenburg steel and rolling mill had become the largest crude steel producer in the GDR. Reunification changed the economic coordinates: Only the electric arc furnaces proved competitive; the rest of the plant was shut down in December 1993.

Thanks to former steelworkers who formed a support association, the last Siemens-Martin furnace in Western Europe is still standing and forms the centrepiece of the industrial museum. Opened in May 2000, it covers an area of around 4,500 square metres. A visit to the museum takes you to the casting platform, overlooking the tapping side of the furnace, and on to the mighty casting crane in the casting hall. Other stops on the tour include the locksmith's shop and laboratory, the foreman's room, the underfurnace area, the old forge and the newly built museum building with its exhibition on the history of steel production in Brandenburg.

Another exhibition area brings to life the history of the Brennabor works, Germany's largest automobile factory in the early 1920s. Theatre performances, concerts, events and performances of all kinds take place in the events hall.

Brandenburg Industrial Museum
August-Sonntag-Straße 5
14770 Brandenburg an der Havel
Germany
+0049 (0) 3381 - 304646
Homepage

Recommended duration of visit:2 Hours
Duration of a guided tour:120 Minutes
Admission:Charge
Access for persons with disabilities:For details see website
Infrastructure for children:
Gift and book shop on site:yes

March to October:
Tuesday to Sunday, public holidays 10am-5pm

November to February:
Tuesday to Sunday, public holidays 10am-4pm

  • Guided tours optional
  • Guided tours for children