Over 770 years ago, people began to break and burn the limestone; since the 17th century at the latest, Rüdersdorf was considered the building material supplier for Berlin. The open-cast mine is still active today and the cement works exports Rüdersdorf cement throughout Europe. The limestone can be extracted in open-cast mining because the rock layers of the Triassic Muschelkalk are exposed on the earth's surface. Rüdersdorf is therefore a small sensation because Muschelkalk is normally found in the North German Basin at depths of up to 3.000 m. Some layers of Muschelkalk are very rich in fossils, which means that amateur paleontologists can quickly find what they are looking for here.
The Museum Park
The 17-hectare site of the museum park contains a large number of historical buildings and facilities that were used to transport or process the raw material limestone from the adjacent open-cast mine. The technical structures, which were built according to designs by famous architects such as Schinkel, form a unique architectural ensemble. It is one of the most important industrial monuments in Germany. The buildings, facilities and open spaces are freely accessible to all visitors and provide plenty of space for art and culture, for excursions, for seminars and workshops, for celebrations and for socializing.
Geology
If you would rather touch 240 million year old limestone and look for fossils, the geological tour is just the thing for you! After a little theory in the geological exhibition, you will head out in a Land Rover to the still active limestone open-cast mine. Here you can recover fossilized animals from the former Triassic Sea yourself.
Quarry tours
What role does open-cast mining play in Rüdersdorf's history? How have working conditions changed over time? What techniques are used to extract limestone? How much has open-cast mining shaped the area and its people? All of these questions will be answered on this tour.
Visitors are given an insight into the entire mining chain of this important raw material extraction and can get an idea of the dimensions of limestone mining with a view of gigantic dump trucks and the crushing plant.
building material history
The historical tour takes you on a relaxed walk through the grounds of the museum park, past the buildings and workplaces of times gone by. Their creation and functioning are brought to life and understandable with the help of old pictures and photos.
The historic torchlight hike is also an unforgettable adventure for families, where they can experience the nature and history of this place in a very special atmosphere. With a torch/flashlight and sturdy shoes, the path leads along the open-cast mine over historic paths through impressive buildings.
Events
Whether on the festival meadow next to the rope pulley pillar, on the edge of the limestone quarry, or in front of the Rumford furnaces - events of all kinds become unforgettable moments here. The breathtaking scenery of the venues and the silhouettes of the technical buildings at dusk frame the spectacle on the stage.
Extras:
- Disabled access
- museum shop, museum café
- rental of karts and handcarts
- Geological tours, including fossil hunting
- Land Rover tours
- Historical tours
- Historical torchlight tour
