Dortmunder U – landmark, viewpoint and culture in Dortmund
Cologne has its cathedral, but the Ruhr has the Dortmunder U. Just like Cologne Cathedral, this imposing landmark is situated beside the main railway station and greets commuters as their trains pull into the city. But of course the U is not a place of worship: Instead it draws the crowds with creative, new ideas and is widely regarded as a showpiece for the success with which the region has mastered structural change.
Until well into the nineties the U served as the Union Brewery’s fermenting cellar and warehouse. After the brewery relocated, however, the building stood empty and abandoned for several years. It wasn’t until 2007, when the U was bought by the City of Dortmund, that it was restored and reborn as a centre for art and creativity.
Dortmunder U: Museum Ostwall and viewing platform
Its seven floors are home to numerous creative spaces including the Museum Ostwall and the Hartware MedienKunstVerein. A must-do for visitors: Take the lift up to the viewing platform on the rooftop for stunning 360° views across the city and as far as the stadium. Admission is free.
Although it’s a long time since the U housed a brewery, it now hosts an annual beer festival where you can try beers from Dortmund and all over the world. The U also holds temporary exhibitions, such as the recent Pink Floyd Exhibition.
Adolf Winkelmann’s Picture Clock
The images on the Picture Clock’s gigantic LED screens can be seen from afar, serving as a landmark not just for commuters, tourists and night revellers – locals also try to get at least one glimpse of the U’s crown every day. The film installation created by director Adolf Winkelmann is hugely popular and gives the people of Dortmund a special sense of local identity. Everyone has their favourite film. Which will be yours?
Oh, and by the way: On weekdays a flock of pigeons flutters onto the screen every hour on the hour, but on Sundays and holidays the pigeons are replaced by doves.
