The building originally served as a brewery for the Union Brauerei, completed in 1927.
The iconic 'U' on the roof was installed in 1968 to represent the brewery brand.
During the 2010 Ruhr Capital of Culture events, the building was permanently repurposed as a cultural center.
The architecture preserves the original industrial concrete skeletal structure of the former fermentation tower.
The 'Fliegende Bilder' installation by Adolf Winkelmann features video projections on the inner glass surfaces of the tower crown.
The Dortmund U-Tower serves as a prominent center for contemporary art and creative industries, housed within the former Union Brauerei fermentation and storage building. The structure is characterized by a massive illuminated 'U' symbol atop the tower, which rotates and serves as a local landmark. It hosts the Museum Ostwall, focusing on art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The interior features a vertical exhibition layout spanning several levels. The building also functions as a hub for academic and creative institutions, including the TU Dortmund University. Visitors can access a rooftop viewing terrace providing panoramic views of the city. Exhibitions frequently rotate between permanent collection highlights and temporary contemporary installations.
From the ground level Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse looking up to capture the rotating 'U' against the skyline.
Check the official website for current temporary exhibition schedules before visiting to ensure the specific galleries you want to see are open.
Utilize the glass elevator to view the architectural transition between the industrial base and the modern cultural floors.
Plan to visit the rooftop terrace on a clear day for the best visibility of the surrounding Ruhr area.
Do not mistake the exterior viewing platform for a full observation deck; it is a specialized terrace space.
Closed on Mondays.
