Mining and Potash Museum

Mineral potash is an important material for use as a fertilizer and in the chemical, textile and glass industries. Deposits of potash were discovered in the Alsace region at Wittelsheim in 1904. Development of the Joseph and Else shafts started in 1912 but was interrupted by war and most of the mine buildings were completed in 1924. Although mining stopped in 1966, today the shafts are used for the deep storage of waste.

The museum is in the pit-head baths. Other building with new uses include winding-engine houses, a lamproom and a fire station. The baths has showers around a central hall where miners’ clothes were hung to dry on long chains. The space is brought to life by a sound installation with oral testimonies. Exhibitions show the techniques of mining and potash processing in the region using models, photographs, tools and equipment. A collection of minerals, including cores from drilling, is used to explain the geology of the area. Larger rock samples are in a geological garden outside.