Gelsenkirchen museums may not be as numerous as those in other German cities, but you’re still certain to learn a lot and have some fun.
Gelsenkirchen City Museum
This Gelsenkirchen museum boasts around 1,300 exhibits to help illuminate your knowledge about this interesting German city. The Gelsenkirchen City Museum (Horster Straße 5 – 7) is THE museum in town.
It was founded in 1950, but many of its attractions date back much further than that. The museum’s beginnings go even back to the 1920s when a few various artifacts were grouped together in a disorganized fashion.
These days, the City Museum features mainly works of art from throughout the centuries. From classic art to contemporary, to kinetic art, constructivism and graphic art, you will be treated to a feast for the eyes at Gelsenkirchen City Museum.
The building itself is also something to behold. The museum changed locations in 1982 with a new building constructed by architect Albrecht E. Wittig. The new museum is a brightly lit gallery with many events and new exhibits held throughout the year.
In the summer, there is usually an Open House where you can check out new exhibitions along with musical and theatrical performances and other special events. There are also regular guided tours, one specifically for little kids but that adults and the young-at-heart may also enjoy!
The best fact of all is that visitors to Gelsenkirchen can experience all this knowledge and the interesting exhibits for absolutely nothing — admission is free! :-)
Shalke Museum
The Shalke Museum (Arenaring) is the Gelsenkirchen museum dedicated to one of Germany’s favorite pastimes, football (or, for my US friends, soccer). More specifically, the Shalke Museum is a celebration of the popular local football team, FC Shalke.
In one trip, you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about Gelsenkirchen’s beloved team. However, if you really want to delve into the history but don’t speak any German, be sure to book in advance. All of the posted signs are only in German, but there are English-speaking tours available for anyone who desires one — and calls ahead of time to request it.
