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Ruhr Museum by HG MerzThe intriguing new Ruhr Museum was built on the inside of Zeche Zollverein's dirty <a href="http://inhabitat.com/worlds-first-hybrid-coal-solar-power-plant-goes-online-in-colorado/">coal washing plant</a> in Essen, Germany. A <a href="http://inhabitat.com/china-plans-to-clone-the-entire-village-of-hallstatt-austria/hallstat-austria-unesco-village-1/">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a>, Zollverein has a fascinating history that has been both displayed and preserved with this immaculate project executed by Stuttgart-based architects <a href="http://www.hgmerz.com/">HG Merz</a>.1
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzZeche Zollverein in Essen, Germany is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.2
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzKeeping the historic buildings and area's cultural and natural history alive were the priorities of this project.3
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzBoth of which were achieved with the new Ruhr Museum housed in the old coal washing plant.4
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzThe museum exhibit was built as a separate entity within the old building.5
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzAll of the existing infrastructure was preserved.6
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzThis includes all of the original industrial machinery.7
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzPlanning and construction took four years!8
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzIn addition to highlighting pre-war glory days, the new project displays important relics from the area's cultural and natural history.9
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzThis is achieved with a lovely modern twist.10
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzThe former building - somewhat dark and dank - act as a backdrop to the new exhibits.11
Ruhr Museum by HG MerzThis new staircase is definitely a departure from the old aesthetic, but helps to give the sustainable-reuse project more modern appeal.12
