Last day in Oberhausen. I didn’t feel it was appropriate not to experience something of the culture (no malls and restaurants don’t count). So despite the fact that I had a train to catch to another city, I felt I had to at least make an attempt. I checked out but then left my luggage with the hotel (“I will be back in an hour”).

The closest destination I could think of was the Gasometer which was quite visible from lots of places I had been to around the hotel and the office.

I crossed the road and headed in the general direction. It was a little farther than I had suspected. I looked at the time. I had an appointment in another city and wasn’t even sure how regular the trains ran in that direction on a Saturday. I decided it was worth the risk. Unfortunately I had to go through in a hurry. I don’t mind spending a whole day in a good museum, but I had a train to catch. Even at that I must have spent about close to 3 hours there. Normally I would read the story/description attached to any picture/sculpture I am interested in and try to imagine what life was like then or even imagine myself “into” the scene: like a witness to the conversation.

Took some pictures. Below.

The museum itself was in a converted cylindrical steel structure.

For those up to the challenge, there is a long series of flights up the outside to the top at 110 meters where you can see the whole city laid out below. See pics below. There is a lift for the less adventurous or less fit.

You can then enter the building and chill out at the amphitheater at the base on cushions while watching a choreographed display of black and white light patterns running up the inside of the tower all the way to the top – set to some relaxing music.

110 meters above is my target destination. “Stairways to Heaven.”

Is that a submarine?

110.45m above ground level.

Took a lift back down(on the inside of the vertical steel structure, so you can look down at the people seated or reclining or standing in the amphitheater-like space with the cushions where you seat to watch the light display)

Below that level are the two bottom levels where the paintings and sculptures are exhibited.

Medusa of course.

And the Mona Lisa (A copy. The original is in the Louvre Museum in Paris)

And because we are always “representing” (something from the Benin Kingdom)

Massive painting under glass on the floor.

God creating the world.

Jesus (under a shroud in the tomb)

It was worth every penny of the 9 Euros I paid. I think couple or group tickets might be cheaper but I didn’t check.

Outside for the even more adventurous, you can sign up for some tree climbing.

The Gasometer website is at: http://www.gasometer.de/de/