Gasometer Oberhausen

The Gasometer Oberhausen is a former disc-type gas holder built in 1929 and now the tallest exhibition and event hall in Europe — 117 metres high and 68 metres in diameter. Originally constructed to supply the Gutehoffnungshütte steelworks with industrial gas, it operated until 1988 before standing derelict for years; the IBA Emscher Park initiative rescued it from demolition and reopened it as a cultural venue in 1994. Since then it has hosted monumental installations only achievable at this scale, including Christo's inflatable 'Big Air Package' and a life-size replica of the asteroid Bennu. An anchor point on both the Route of Industrial Heritage and the European Route of Industrial Culture (ERIH), it also features a rooftop panorama deck with sweeping views across the Ruhr valley. Open Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; admission fee applies.