The Old Findorff Pumping Station: History meets culture in Bremen!

The Old Findorff Pumping Station: History meets culture in Bremen!

In the enchanting city of Bremen is the Old Findorff Pumping Station, a historic red clinker building that not only breathes architectural history, but is also part of an innovative museum about Bremen's wastewater disposal. How spot-bremen According to reports, the museum's machine hall houses impressive, black-painted pumps that once transported wastewater into the Weser and to sewage treatment plants. Anyone who wants to learn more about the history of wastewater disposal will get their money's worth in the museum: information boards, pictures, city models and even a walk-in section of the sewer system invite visitors to marvel.

But how did Bremen come to have so many powerful wastewater systems? In the 19th century, waste disposal was a real problem in Bremen. The waste was discharged directly into the Weser, which was not only unhygienic but also harmful to the health of the citizens. Cholera epidemics in the 1880s brought about a rethink and led to a juntamente designed canal system at the beginning of the 20th century, which the engineers Hobrecht and Thalenhorst played a key role in shaping.

The old pumping station as a cultural site

The Findorff pumping station began operations in 1915/16 and quickly developed into a central system for wastewater disposal. In 1995 it was finally shut down and replaced by more modern technology, but the pumping station was preserved for posterity as a monument. The Altes Pumpwerk association, which was founded in 1997 and now has over 100 members, carries out restoration work with great commitment. These were largely realized by volunteers and with financial support from Hansewasser.

The Old Pump Station has also developed into a vibrant venue hosting concerts, cabaret and readings. Collaborations with the Bremen University of the Arts bring interesting cultural performances to the house. Visitors have the opportunity to take part in individual guided tours or explore the museum every first Sunday of the month from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - entry is free!

A look outside the box: The history of wastewater disposal

Wastewater disposal has been a concern for humanity for 4,600 years Wilo explained. While techniques and approaches have changed significantly over the centuries, the challenge of disposing of waste hygienically and efficiently has always remained present. Historical examples such as those from the 1886 film “The Little Lord” impressively show the grievances of the wastewater infrastructure in Europe at the time. Fortunately, conditions have now fundamentally improved, not least due to the development of modern sanitary facilities and sewage treatment plants.

The old Findorff pumping station not only bears witness to an important part of Bremen's history, but also impressively shows how complex the topic of wastewater disposal is and what progress has been made in the last few decades. The pumping station lives not only from its history, but also from the lively culture that it brings to the city today.