The Ruhr Museum is the regional museum of the Ruhr area, located at the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen, Germany. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan a visit.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Daily 10am–6pm (closed 24, 25 and 31 December) |
|---|---|
| Ticket prices | Adults €10, reduced €7, complete ticket €15, under 18s free |
| Address | Gelsenkirchener Strasse 181, 45309 Essen, Germany |
| Nearest transport or parking | Tram 107 to Zollverein; buses 170 or 183; Parking A1 and A2 |
| Typical time needed | 2–3 hours |
Ruhr Museum opening hours
The Ruhr Museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm. The museum is closed on 24 December, 25 December and 31 December.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Visitors should plan to arrive with enough time to complete their visit before closing, especially if viewing multiple exhibition levels.
Ruhr Museum ticket prices
Ticket prices depend on which exhibitions you visit. The museum offers individual and combined tickets.
Current standard prices are:
- Permanent exhibition, Portal of Industrial Heritage and Panorama Roof: Adults €10, reduced €7
- Special exhibition (12-metre level): Adults €10, reduced €7
- Gallery exhibition (21-metre level): Adults €5, reduced €4
- Complete ticket (all exhibitions and Portal): Adults €15, reduced €11
- Children and young people under 18: Free admission
Reduced tickets apply to eligible visitors with valid proof.
How to get to the Ruhr Museum
The Ruhr Museum is located on the Zollverein site and is well connected by public transport.
Public transport options include:
- Tram 107 to Zollverein stop, followed by a short walk
- Bus 170 to Zollverein Nord
- Bus 183 to Kohlenwäsche
- Regional train RB32 to Zollverein Nord
Signposting on the Zollverein site helps guide visitors to the museum entrance.
Parking at Ruhr Museum
Parking is available close to the Ruhr Museum within the Zollverein site.
- Car parks A1 and A2 are free and within a short walking distance
- Zollverein multi-storey car park is paid, with hourly and daily rates and electric vehicle charging
These parking areas are clearly marked and accessible from main approach roads.
How long to spend at Ruhr Museum
Most visitors spend between two and three hours at the Ruhr Museum. This allows time to explore the permanent exhibition and at least one additional exhibition level.
Visitors planning to use audio guides or attend guided tours should allow extra time.
Accessibility at Ruhr Museum
The Ruhr Museum offers barrier-free access throughout the building.
- Step-free routes and lifts connect all exhibition levels
- Accessible toilets are available
- Wheelchairs and folding stools can be borrowed free of charge
- Assistance dogs are permitted
Pushchairs may be restricted at busy times, with alternatives available on request.
Inside / what to see at Ruhr Museum
The Ruhr Museum focuses on the natural, cultural and industrial history of the Ruhr region.
- The permanent exhibition covers geology, archaeology, industrial development and social history
- The Portal of Industrial Heritage explains the Zollverein site and its transformation
- Special exhibitions present changing thematic displays
- Gallery exhibitions explore focused topics on a smaller scale
- The Panorama Roof provides views across the former industrial complex
Exhibitions are arranged across multiple levels of the former coal washing plant.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Practical information |
|---|---|
| Timing | Late mornings and early afternoons tend to be busier, especially at weekends. |
| Crowds | School holidays and weekends attract more visitors. |
| Layout | Exhibitions are spread across several floors connected by lifts and staircases. |
| Entry process | Tickets can be bought online or at the visitor centre on site. |
| Facilities | Toilets, seating areas and free Wi-Fi are available. |
Frequently asked questions about Ruhr Museum
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Ruhr Museum suitable for children? | Yes, and children and young people under 18 enter free of charge. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Ruhr Museum? | Advance booking is optional; tickets are also sold on site. |
| Is the Ruhr Museum open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open every Sunday from 10am to 6pm. |
| Are bags allowed at the Ruhr Museum? | Bags are allowed, subject to any on-site security rules. |
Things to do near the Ruhr Museum
Attractions that can be combined with a visit include:
- Red Dot Design Museum Essen, located on the same Zollverein site
- The German Football Museum in Dortmund.
- The Gasometer in Oberhausen, with a giant art installation inside a former gas cylinder
- Villa Hügel, reachable by public transport
- Grugapark Essen, a large park and leisure area in the city
More North Rhine-Westphalia travel
Other North Rhine-Westphalia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Dortmund’s Christmas market: Home of the world’s largest Christmas tree.
- Berlin to Dortmund train times and prices.
- A Bonn city guide for first time visitors.
- A Haribo pilgrimage in Bonn.
- Cologne Cathedral ticket price guide.
