Rising tall, the Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks stands as a testament to Würzburg’s industrial past. What stories could these walls tell if they could talk?
The Historisches Archiv der WVV calls this tower home. It is located within the former gas plant. The Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks now safeguards WVV’s historical records across five floors.
Let’s rewind to 1875. The city gas production moved here from Bahnhofstraße. It nestled at the foot of the Steinberg. After World War I, the technical facilities saw gradual upgrades. The iconic hall, tower, and residential building emerged from mid-1920s plans. Between 1932 and 1934, a transformation occurred. The Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks embraced the “New Objectivity” style. This architectural gem now enjoys protected status.
Imagine the tower’s original role. Completed in 1932, its raw structure housed a gas cooling container. Fast forward to the 90s. The residential building became office space after renovations. The hall transformed into a workshop and storage area. Today, the Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks stores the WVV archives.
Step inside the Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks. The first two floors feature a captivating exhibition. It showcases objects from the company’s history. Gas, water, and electricity take center stage. These elements played vital roles in shaping urban life. The displays also touch on public transport and environmental protection.
The “Energy in Everyday Life” exhibit adds another layer. It echoes the intensive household campaigns of the 20s and 30s. These campaigns promoted the use of electricity, gas, and water.
Visiting the Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks offers a unique glimpse into Würzburg’s past. The archives are open every first Thursday of the month. The time is from 2 PM to 6 PM. If that Thursday lands on a holiday, the archive opens the following Thursday. Contact Cornelia Wagner at 0931 36 1968 for more details.
The Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks stands as a reminder of Würzburg’s evolution. It shifted from industrial production to historical preservation. It is a place where the past informs the present. As you leave, consider the layers of history within its walls. The Turmgebäude des alten Gaswerks is more than just a tower. It is a keeper of memories.