In the heart of Mülheim an der Ruhr, nestled within the historic district of Broich, stands a unique and captivating destination: the Museum zur Vorgeschichte des Films. Housed in a towering 25.5-meter-high former water tower, this museum offers an enthralling journey through the early developments of moving images, long before the advent of cinematography. The museum, along with the world's largest walk-in Camera Obscura, forms part of the Route of Industrial Heritage, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts, film buffs, and curious travelers alike.
The water tower that now serves as the museum's home was constructed in 1904. It originally functioned to supply water to locomotives at the nearby railway workshops and the Lower Ruhr Valley Railway. Despite the destruction of many surrounding structures during a 1943 air raid, the water tower remarkably survived unscathed. The tower's water container, a covered Barkhausen container manufactured by Aug. Klönne of Dortmund, remains a testament to the engineering prowess of its time.
In 1992, as part of the MüGa State Garden Show, the water container was transformed into the world's largest walk-in Camera Obscura, based on an idea by Werner Nekes. This fascinating installation, funded entirely by donations and featuring technology from Carl Zeiss Jena, offers visitors a 360° panoramic view of the city. The precision optics include a rotating head with a tiltable mirror and a three-lens system, allowing for sharp imaging of objects from 13 meters away to the horizon. The Camera Obscura is a highlight that provides an immersive experience, blending art, science, and history.
After the installation of the Camera Obscura, the rest of the tower stood vacant for several years, with only a brief stint as a restaurant. It wasn't until 2005 that sufficient funds were secured to transform the interior into a museum dedicated to the prehistory of film. Architect Hans-Hermann Hofstadt spearheaded the design, and the museum officially opened its doors in September 2006. The conceptual and curatorial aspects were meticulously planned by art historian and museum director Tobias Kaufhold, in collaboration with collector KH. W. Steckelings.
The museum's three floors beneath the water container house over 1,100 exhibits from Steckelings' collection. These artifacts, dating from 1750 to 1930, chronicle the technological advancements that paved the way for cinematography. Visitors can marvel at a variety of devices, including kaleidoscopes, magic lanterns, and peep shows, which offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and creativity of the pre-film era. Each exhibit tells a story of how images learned to move, captivating audiences and foreshadowing the cinematic experiences we enjoy today.
As you step into the museum, you're transported back to a time when the magic of moving images was beginning to unfold. The ground floor introduces you to the earliest optical devices, such as the camera obscura and kaleidoscopes, which fascinated and entertained people with their enchanting visual effects. Detailed descriptions and interactive displays provide insights into the science and artistry behind these inventions.
On the second floor, the focus shifts to the evolution of projection techniques. Here, you can explore an array of magic lanterns, which were used to project hand-painted slides onto screens, creating some of the earliest forms of storytelling through images. The intricate designs and craftsmanship of these lanterns are a testament to the dedication and skill of their makers.
The third floor delves into the world of peep shows and other magic boxes, which allowed viewers to peek into miniature scenes and moving panoramas. These devices were popular attractions at fairs and exhibitions, captivating audiences with their lifelike animations and intricate details. The museum's collection includes rare and exquisite examples of these early visual entertainments, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
It's important to note that the Museum zur Vorgeschichte des Films is closed during the winter months. Therefore, planning your visit during the warmer seasons will ensure you don't miss out on this extraordinary experience. The museum's seasonal closure allows for maintenance and preservation of its valuable exhibits, ensuring that they remain in pristine condition for future visitors to enjoy.
In conclusion, the Museum zur Vorgeschichte des Films is not just a museum; it's a portal to a bygone era of innovation and wonder. Its unique setting in a historic water tower, combined with the world's largest walk-in Camera Obscura, makes it a truly remarkable destination. Whether you're a history aficionado, a film enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to this museum promises to be an enlightening and unforgettable journey through the fascinating prehistory of film.
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