From the beginnings of open-cast mining to the Industrial Revolution

 

Did you know that many famous buildings in Brandenburg and Berlin were built from Rüdersdorf shell limestone? These include the foundations of the Brandenburg Gate, the steps of Sanssouci Palace Park, the Unter den Linden State Opera, the Berlin Olympic Stadium, and much more. Since the 17th century, this valuable stone has been processed into quicklime on a large scale, as evidenced by the historic kilns on the grounds of the Museum Park, including the chamber kilns dating back to 1666. The picturesque Rumford kilns (or Rüdersdorf kilns) at the entrance to the park date from the early 19th century (from 1807 onwards), which, with the advancing industrialization, were replaced by the unique shaft kiln battery from 1871 onwards. Anyone entering the shaft kiln battery will immediately understand why the building is also called the "Cathedral of Lime"!

 

Find out more on site – for example on a historical tour or in our exhibitions .