Glaselefant

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Glaselefant (Glass Elephant) is the landmark of the city of Hamm – an artwork, viewpoint, and exhibition venue all in one. It was created for North Rhine-Westphalia's first state garden show in 1984 on the site of the decommissioned Zeche Maximilian coal mine. The idea came from the artist and architect Horst Rellecke, who in 1981, while walking around the future garden show grounds, recognized the outline of an elephant in the old coal washery from 1902.

In 1983 and 1984, the industrial building was reshaped with a greenhouse-style structure of steel and glass. The result was an elephant about 35 meters tall with seven-meter-long tusks; an elevator runs inside the glass trunk, and an emergency staircase runs through the tail. The structure is considered the largest animal-shaped building and has therefore been included in the Guinness Book of Records.

The head houses a palm garden in which Rellecke installed ten kinetic art objects, some of which visitors can set in motion themselves using a control panel. An observation deck at a height of 29 meters offers a wide view over the park, the city, and the surrounding countryside. At night, the elephant is illuminated with colored LED modules.

Today the Glaselefant is part of the Maximilianpark, run by the municipal company Maximilianpark Hamm GmbH. Annually changing art and photography exhibitions are held inside; it also serves as an event venue with a wedding room and a seminar room.

Highlights

• Largest animal-shaped building, listed in the Guinness Book of Records
• Observation deck at a height of 29 meters, reached by the glass elevator in the trunk
• Palm garden with ten kinetic art objects by Horst Rellecke
• Converted 1902 coal washery of the Zeche Maximilian mine
• Changing art and photography exhibitions

Permanent exhibitions

• Palmengarten mit kinetischen Kunstobjekten – In the elephant's head, ten kinetic sculptures by Horst Rellecke stand among the palms, such as a mechanical miner or a caterpillar named Sisyphos; nine of them can be operated electrically.

Founded

1984

Operated by

Maximilianpark Hamm GmbH

Admission & discounts

The Glaselefant is accessible with the day ticket for the Maximilianpark; no separate admission is charged. Higher prices may apply during special events such as the Herbstleuchten. A low-priced winter ticket applies in winter.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• 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

Glass elevator in the trunk to the observation deck and the palm garden. The operator provides no further information on accessibility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

In the Palmengarten, visitors can operate nine movable art objects themselves via a control panel; Maximilianpark has nine play areas, including a water playground, a pirate ship, and a toddler climbing course.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A2, exit Hamm-Uentrop. The city bus loop line begins and ends at Maximilianpark.

Amenities & dining

Dining in Maximilianpark (Maxi-Gastro); the park also has a butterfly house.

Events & venue rental

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

The Glaselefant has a wedding room and a seminar room; an overnight stay in the Glaselefant can also be booked. Other venues in the park: Elektrozentrale, Werkstatthalle, Maximilianhalle.

Plan your visit