Aquarius-Wassermuseum

About the museum

August Thyssen had the water tower in Styrum built in 1892/93 to supply his rolling mill with water. Soon the village of Styrum and Bottrop, and later Thyssen collieries in Gladbeck and Hamborn, also drew their water via the tower. In 1912 the newly founded Rheinisch-Westfälische Wasserwerksgesellschaft (RWW) took over the facility. The brick building, with its octagonal base, cylindrical shaft and pointed roof, echoes the shape of a medieval defensive tower.

Until it was decommissioned in 1982, the tower mainly supplied industrial process water, most recently for Mannesmann; at times it was also used as a residence. In the late 1980s, RWW decided to preserve the structure, which was listed as a monument in 1989, and convert it into a museum. After the foundation stone was laid in December 1990, the Aquarius opened on April 3, 1992, alongside Mülheim's state garden show, the MüGa.

On several levels, the exhibition uses hands-on stations, films and experiments to explain where our drinking water comes from, how wastewater is treated and what role water played in the industrial history of the Ruhr region; topics such as groundwater and virtual water round out the tour. A glass elevator rises through the former water tank to the panoramic gallery with sweeping views over the Ruhr valley. Since 1999 the Aquarius has been an anchor point of the Route der Industriekultur (Industrial Heritage Trail); the former chapel of neighboring Schloss Styrum serves as a forum and wedding venue.

Highlights

• Listed water tower from 1892/93
• Hands-on stations on drinking water, wastewater and groundwater
• Glass elevator through the former water tank
• Panoramic gallery with all-round views of the Ruhr valley
• Anchor point of the Route der Industriekultur

Permanent exhibitions

• Unser Trinkwasser – Traces the path of water from extraction and treatment to the region's households.
• Wasser und Industriegeschichte – Tells how the water demand of collieries and ironworks shaped the water supply in the Ruhr region.
• Virtuelles Wasser – Reveals how much water is contained in food and everyday products.

Founded

1992

Operated by

RWW Rheinisch-Westfälische Wasserwerksgesellschaft mbH

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the RUHR.TOPCARD and for members of the Deutscher Museumsbund and ICOM.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibition is not fully accessible: only the first floor, the panoramic gallery, the walkway and the Aquasphäre can be reached step-free.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Visit recommended from third grade; children under 14 only when accompanied by adults. Educational programs from preschool age, children's birthdays (rally, geocaching, themed birthdays for 6- to 13-year-olds) and holiday programs for children's groups; around 30 media stations with quizzes and games.

Getting there & parking

GPS address: Moritzstraße 102. Via the A40, exit 15 (Mülheim/Oberhausen-Alstaden, coming from Duisburg) or exit 16 (Mülheim-Styrum, coming from Essen).

Amenities & dining

Event room available to rent for celebrations. The BluBar in the Panoramakranz is rented out for receptions.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 50 guests.

Forum in the former chapel of Schloss Styrum (approx. 6 × 12 m, up to 50 people depending on seating) for conferences, receptions and celebrations; civil weddings with the Mülheim registry office (42 seats and 8 standing places) as well as non-religious ceremonies; BluBar in the panoramic gallery for champagne receptions.

Plan your visit