A shimmering steel cocoon. That’s the first thing you notice. It stands before you marking the Mittelpunkt Nordrhein-Westfalens. This isn’t just any point on a map. This is the geographical center of North Rhine-Westphalia. A precise calculation using the coordinates of the state’s border determined this exact spot in Dortmund’s Aplerbeck district.
The Mittelpunkt Nordrhein-Westfalens isn’t just a marker. It’s a work of art. Christine Boose created the sculpture in 2019. It reflects North Rhine-Westphalia’s transformation. The steel represents the region’s industrial past. The cocoon symbolizes its ongoing metamorphosis. A change from coal mining and steel production to something new and innovative. The design is clever. Two mirrored outlines of North Rhine-Westphalia are welded together. They form a cross. Eight-millimeter steel wires encase the structure like a protective shell.
The sculpture’s size is quite specific. It stands 2.5 meters tall. Its maximum width is 1.79 meters. The steel itself is 3 centimeters thick. Every detail has meaning. The artwork’s placement wasn’t accidental. The Geodatenzentrum Liegenschaftskataster calculated the exact location. They used the official property cadastre information system. The calculations are detailed in a publication by Burckhardt Arens.
The Mittelpunkt is tucked away. It’s not easy to find. There is no parking nearby. If you came by car you must park in Aplerbeck’s center. It’s a place for quiet contemplation. A moment to reflect on the state’s past. And to think about its future.
The Mittelpunkt Nordrhein-Westfalens is more than just coordinates. It’s a symbol. A reminder that even in the heart of a bustling city. A place of quiet reflection can exist. A place that represents a whole state. A small sculpture that holds a great deal of significance. It is a testament to the changing landscape. A perfect blend of past and future.