RWE Industriemuseum

About the museum

The Heimbach hydroelectric power station was built in 1904 to designs by the Aachen architect Georg Frentzen and went into operation on May 8, 1905. At 12,000 kilowatts, it was then the largest storage power station in Europe. Water reaches the eight Francis turbines through a 2,700-meter tunnel with a 110-meter head from the Urft Dam (Urfttalsperre).

In 1974, the original turbines were taken out of operation; two remain as technical monuments. The plant continues to operate with two more powerful machines and is still run by RWE today. The Art Nouveau-style hall is completely preserved and under heritage protection.

Since 1989, a museum has been part of the power station. In addition to the old brass fittings and turbines, it displays historic household and electrical appliances from the early 20th century onward, from bottle warmers to cigarette lighters. Every year in early June, the turbine hall also becomes the stage for the chamber music festival "Spannungen" (Tensions).

Highlights

• Fully preserved Art Nouveau power station from 1905
• Historic Francis turbines with brass fittings
• Collection of historic household and electrical appliances
• Chamber music festival "Spannungen" in the turbine hall

Permanent exhibitions

• Jugendstil-Kraftwerk mit historischen Turbinen – Visit to the preserved turbine hall with old turbines and brass fittings of the 1905 power station.
• Historische Elektrogeräte – Household and electrical appliances from the beginning of the 20th century, from bottle warmers to cigarette lighters.

Founded

1989

Operated by

RWE (Betreiber des Wasserkraftwerks Heimbach)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Guided tours are free and last about one hour.

Accessibility

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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