Haniel Museum

About the museum

The museum is located in the so-called Packhaus (warehouse), the oldest surviving building in Ruhrort. It was built in 1756 by Ruhrort's mayor Jan Willem Noot, grandfather of Franz Haniel, as a warehouse for colonial goods such as tea, tobacco and spices. The building permit issued by Frederick II on February 10, 1756, is regarded as the founding date of today's company Franz Haniel & Cie.

In 1772 Jacob Wilhelm Haniel moved his trading and shipping business into the house, which was also the family's residence; Franz Haniel was born here in 1779. From Ruhrort, the company developed into a major player in the coal trade, inland shipping and the coal and steel industry of the Ruhr region.

Since the late 1960s, the building, which is still part of Haniel's headquarters, has been used as a museum. Former living quarters were added later, and in 2003 the house was extensively restored. On three floors, original documents, historical furniture and restored offices and living rooms trace the path from a local trading house to an internationally active group of companies and its close ties to the industrialization of the region.

After a break, the museum has been open to visitors again since February 2026, but only on booked guided tours.

Highlights

• Packhaus of 1756 – Ruhrort's oldest building and Franz Haniel's birthplace
• Restored living and working rooms of the 19th and 20th centuries
• Original documents on more than 270 years of company history
• Topics: inland shipping, coal trade, mining and metallurgy

Permanent exhibitions

• Haniel Museum im Packhaus – A tour across three floors through the history of the Haniel family business, with historical rooms, furniture and documents from more than two and a half centuries.

Operated by

Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH

Admission & discounts

Price applies to participation in the guided tour.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is not accessible. Animals are not allowed, except assistance dogs and guide dogs.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Haniel Campus Restaurant serving lunch as well as coffee and cake (11:45–14:00), with outdoor seating in summer.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit