Clang. The sound of metal on metal echoes in the air. We stand before the Maschinenhaus der ehemaligen Ziegelei in Munich a testament to a bygone era. This impressive building the Maschinenhaus is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living museum a window into Munich’s industrial past.
Imagine the scene in 1964. The Josef Haid brickworks ceased operation. Yet inside this very Maschinenhaus all the machinery remained untouched. It’s a time capsule a perfectly preserved snapshot of a vital industry. The Maschinenhaus reveals the secrets of brickmaking. Here you can see how raw clay transformed into sturdy bricks. The pressed still-damp bricks were carefully placed on drying racks inside the adjacent drying sheds.
The Maschinenhaus and the drying sheds are the last remnants of a thriving Munich industry. They stand as silent witnesses to the history of brickmaking in Oberföhring. The city council recognized their importance. In 2010 they approved their integration into a new housing development. The city of Munich took ownership of the buildings in 2014. Today they are managed by the municipal department.
But the Maschinenhaus is more than just a relic. It’s an active space. Visitors can walk through it exploring the machinery. They can see the narrow-gauge railway tracks. A small diesel locomotive a flatcar and a multi-tiered wagon sit on those tracks. Drying racks for bricks are still in place. Reconstructed rooms replicate the living quarters of the brickmakers.
The Maschinenhaus tells a story of human hands and sweat. Information panels highlight the contributions of Italian workers and women to this vital industry. It’s a story of craftsmanship dedication and hard work. The Maschinenhaus is not just a building. It is a symbol of Munich’s rich industrial heritage. A place where the past comes alive.
The Maschinenhaus der ehemaligen Ziegelei is more than just a museum. It is a tangible link to Munich’s past. It provides insight into an important but often overlooked aspect of the city’s history. A visit here is a journey back in time a chance to appreciate the skill and ingenuity of the brickmakers who shaped this city. Take a moment. Breathe in the history. Let the clang of the past resonate within you.