Industriemuseum Brandenburg an der Havel

About the museum

From 1912 the Weber rolling mill was built on the Silokanal, firing up its first Siemens-Martin furnaces in 1914. After complete dismantling in 1945, the works was rebuilt from 1950 and grew into the Brandenburg steel and rolling mill, which in the 1980s, with around 10,000 employees, was the largest crude steel producer in the GDR. Furnace XII, the youngest of the twelve Siemens-Martin furnaces, went into operation in 1967.

After the political turnaround the process was no longer competitive; the last tapping took place in December 1993. Former steelworkers documented the still-operating works in an employment project, collected objects, and interviewed eyewitnesses. The Förderverein Stahlmuseum (friends' association), founded in 1993, fought against initial resistance to preserve the furnace; since 1996 the furnace, facilities, and hall have been protected as a historic monument.

In 2000, with funding from the EU and the state, a museum area opened in the historic hall, and the friends' association has been the sponsor ever since. Across around 4,500 square meters you can explore the furnace, casting crane, locomotives, workshops, laboratories, and a forge; much of it can be touched. Since 2006 the museum has also shown an exhibition on the Brennabor works, which in the mid-1920s were Germany's largest car manufacturer. The museum is an anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage.

Highlights

• Siemens-Martin furnace XII – the last of its kind in Western Europe
• Casting crane for 280-ton ladles and historic locomotives
• True-to-original preserved workshops, laboratories, and forge
• Brennabor exhibition with baby carriages, bicycles, and automobiles
• Brandenburg originals such as the Opel Blitz and the "Aktivist" tractor

Permanent exhibitions

• Technisches Denkmal Siemens-Martin-Ofen XII – The last melting furnace built at the works, with cranes, locomotives, casting hall, and true-to-original preserved side rooms – walkable across around 4,500 square meters.
• Stahlstandort im 20. Jahrhundert – History of the Brandenburg steel and rolling mill from 1914 to 1993 and the technology of the Siemens-Martin process.
• Brennabor in Brandenburg – Baby carriages, bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles from what was once Germany's largest car factory, mostly from private collections.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Förderverein Stahlmuseum Brandenburg an der Havel e.V.

Director

Marius Krohn

Admission & discounts

Guided tours on request for groups of 6 or more.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

In the technical monument, almost everything can be touched and tried out. In the creative workshop, children wearing smocks and helmets make their own workpieces (groups €5 per person). For preschool through 2nd grade there is a playful discovery tour; for 5th–8th grade, overnight stays in a tent in the casting hall (May to September).

Getting there & parking

By car from the A2 (Brandenburg exit) via B102 and B1 through the city to the SWB industrial and commercial park, entrance on August-Sonntag-Straße.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with publications and souvenirs; gift vouchers available.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 500 guests.

Kokillenhalle (ingot mold hall) for up to 500 people, casting hall and exhibition room for up to 80 each, library for up to 35 people. Seating, tables, stage, sound system, and bar area can be added.

Plan your visit