The Glass Elephant is a repurposed coal washery building from the former Maximilian colliery.
The park was established as the site for the first North Rhine-Westphalian State Garden Show in 1984.
The tropical butterfly house covers 250 square meters and houses hundreds of live butterflies.
The structural framework of the Glass Elephant utilizes original steel components from the mine's cleaning facility.
The park's design reflects the structural shift from heavy industry to recreational green space in the Ruhr region.
Inside the Elephant, visitors can access a panoramic deck located at the animal's 'head' level.
Maximilianpark is a former coal mine site in Hamm transformed into a landscaped park, globally recognized for its massive Glass Elephant structure. Designed by artist Horst Rellecke, the 35-meter-high elephant contains a palm house and an art gallery inside its glass shell. The park spans 22 hectares and incorporates original industrial architecture into its green space. It features the largest tropical butterfly house in North Rhine-Westphalia, which maintains a consistent climate for exotic species. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, water features, and expansive playgrounds spread across the reclaimed mining grounds. The site frequently hosts cultural events, open-air concerts, and markets within its converted mining buildings. The park's landscape includes high-level walkways that offer views over the surrounding industrial and natural terrain.
The viewing platform inside the Glass Elephant looking out over the park's grounds and the surrounding canal.
Check the event calendar online before visiting to coordinate with seasonal markets or concerts.
Bring comfortable walking shoes to cover the extensive grounds, as the park spans 22 hectares.
Visit the butterfly house early in the day when the butterflies are most active.
Attempting to see everything in less than three hours, as the scale of the park often leads to fatigue if rushed.
The tropical butterfly house is typically closed during the winter months.
