Henschelschornstein

Gazing up at the Henschelschornstein, one can almost hear the echoes of Kassel’s industrial past. This towering brick chimney, a silent sentinel on the cityscape, whispers tales of a bygone era, inextricably linked to the Henschel family. The Henschels, prominent factory owners, left an indelible mark on Kassel, particularly around the Weinberg district. The Henschelschornstein stands as a stark reminder of their industrial empire. In the mid-19th century, the Henschel family acquired land on and around the Weinberg, a vineyard that now houses much of Kassel’s cultural landscape. High above the city, they built their residence, “Villa Henschel”, completed in 1870 for Oscar and Sophie Henschel. This estate, sadly destroyed during World War II, is now the site of the Grimm World. Another grand estate, “Haus Henschel,” built for their son Karl in 1904, met a similar fate, demolished only a few decades later under mysterious circumstances. The Henschelschornstein, likely built around the same period to serve the family’s factories, managed to survive the tumultuous times. While the grand villas vanished, the sturdy chimney persisted, bearing witness to Kassel’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a hub of culture and art. The stable and shed building from the Henschel estate, constructed in 1903, now houses the Museum for Sepulchral Culture. The Henschelschornstein, standing near this building, now shares its space with exhibits that explore the history of death and burial. This juxtaposition of industry and remembrance creates a unique atmosphere, where the tangible remnants of Kassel’s industrial past meet reflections on mortality and the passage of time.