Halde Rheinelbe and Sculpture Forest

Gelsenkirchen

The project on the site of the former Rheinelbe coal mine is part of the IBA Emscher Park Project ‘Industrial wastelands in the industrial landscape’. On the approximately 50-hectare site in south Gelsenkirchen, a former coal mine and a slag heap were regenerated. They were linked with the centre of Gelsenkirchen via the district park of the Wissenschaftszentrum Rheinelbe [Rheinelbe science park]. Forststation Rheinelbe is located in the woods, in the coal mine’s former power distribution station.

The concept development for the area is not based on a classical planning process, but on the commissioning of the landscape artist, Hermann Prigann, who is using his installations to create a sculpture forest. Today, art unlocks, opens and connects the site. Large sculptures, created from industrial and natural materials, make reference to the history of the area, region and nature.
A light installation has transformed a former bunker into a ‘blue grotto’. At different entrances, visitors are greeted by gateway sculptures. Art in its varied forms guides visitors around the site.

Parallel to the installation, Rheinelbe has become a retreat for plants and animals. A forest ranger guides visitors around the site, pointing out nature which has recaptured the land following its industrial use. His ranger’s lodge, a former electricity substation for various mining facilities in the vicinity, is used as an event and education centre. The southern section of the site is bordered by a slag heap construction, the ‘Spiralberg’. On the roof of the still visible landmark is the artist’s ‘Himmelstreppe’.