Montanium

The Montanium can only be visited as part of a guided tour.

Montanium

Underground forces at work
(admission only for guided tours)

Guided tours of our underground ‘Montanium’ world show you what it means to defy forces of nature deep below the earth. Experimentation stations, sounds, smells, darkness and audiovisual projections convey authentic impressions of the miners’ work environment.

In the reconstructed section of the colliery, various experimentation stations focus on physical phenomena and the functioning of underground forces. Visitors can try their hand at everything, for example, testing which material withstands more pressure, steel or wood. Another experiment shows how to lift heavy weights with minimal effort. All areas are at ground level and accessible.

The 40-metre-long adventure trail interior originates from the former training mine at the Westerholt Colliery. Among the largest exhibits are the fully functional hydraulic shields that support the arched ceiling, known as the ‘hanger’ during excavation. Some of these are permanent installations in the ‘mountain’. Visitors can crawl under them, while a light-projected plough travels along the imaginary coal seam. The scene is accompanied by loud noises and the final crash of the rock face collapsing behind the shield. To create the most authentic impression possible, original underground sound recordings are played back using modern technology.

Expansion planned

The first section of the ‘Montanium’ will be followed by others. There are plans for a workshop area where visitors can try their hand at repairs. Another section of the route will be dedicated specifically to underground infrastructure. Among other things, visitors will be able to experience a ride on the underground mine railway.