Museum Adlerturm

Description

In the southeastern section of the Dortmunder Ring, the Adlerturm marks a reconstructed portion of the medieval city fortifications; the reconstruction was carried out in 1992 on the preserved foundations of the former defensive tower. The building is located at Günter-Samtlebe-Platz 2 in the Innenstadt-West district. To protect the original foundations of the Adlerturm from the 14th century and remains of the adjacent city wall from the 13th century, the 30‑meter‑high tower rests on pillars.

Inside, a children's museum on the history of the medieval city spans six floors. Interactive stations make everyday life and conflicts of the period tangible: visitors can try on armor, touch swords, and take part in hands‑on excavation activities. Dressing‑up stations, scent and sound installations, and calligraphy exercises convey sensory impressions. On a large‑scale city map, the Dortmunder Fehde of 1388 can be reenacted with game pieces.

Displayed exhibits include excavation finds from the Kuckelketor, the Höllenturm, and the Adlerturm itself. They are complemented by a model of the medieval city and contemporary depictions that make Dortmund’s appearance over the centuries traceable. Weapons and other objects from the era of the Great Dortmund Feud illustrate the military and urban structures of that time. The concept and design implementation of the children's museum were professionally developed and tailored to the tower’s particular spatial conditions.