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100 years of the escalator: The rise of a technical miracle in Cologne!
On July 11, 2025, Germany will celebrate 100 years of escalators in Cologne's Tietz department store - a technological landmark of modernity.
100 years of the escalator: The rise of a technical miracle in Cologne!
On July 11, 2025, a very special occasion will be celebrated in Cologne: the 100th anniversary of the commissioning of the first escalator in Germany in the Tietz department store. In a time when everything is in motion, the escalator is more than just a technical miracle - it sets standards in modern architecture and has firmly established itself in our everyday lives. The escalator was installed by merchant Alfred Leonhard Tietz, a pioneer of technological progress who captivated visitors with this innovation.
Architectural historian Daniel Lohmann describes the first escalator as one of such amazement: “Like a UFO landing.” It was 60 centimeters wide and only rode upwards. At the beginning, lift boys were available to help the brave passengers get out, as the first exit was a bit of a challenge for some - including feelings of dizziness. This extraordinary technical innovation became a symbol of classic modernism in the 1920s and continues to attract people to this day. The idea of the escalator was first born in the USA, the first model was installed in Coney Island in 1895 and laid the foundation for this revolutionary method of transportation.
Today's escalators
There are currently around 39,000 escalators in Germany, but the joy of technical progress is often abruptly interrupted. The Cologne transport companies repeatedly report disruptions. Last year there were almost 11,000 malfunctions on 263 escalators in Cologne, with almost 2,800 malfunctions being due to vandalism. Such incidents make the issue of maintenance and repair a constant challenge. The Cologne transport company has now taken maintenance into its own hands and is planning to modernize around 40 escalators this year. Last year three million euros were spent on this.
One notable incident involved a lost diamond ring that fell into the escalator and was eventually tracked down. KVB uses parts from five different manufacturers for its 264 escalators, which results in a colorful mix of spare parts. According to information from HNA.de, escalators are now widely used and can be found at train stations, department stores and many other public places, while their functionality has been steadily improved since the first prototypes in the 1860s.
Escalators: A piece of city history
In Cologne, escalators are not only an easy way to get around, but they also reflect the development of the city's infrastructure. While the escalator started out as an “inclined elevator” and was invented by Jesse Reno, it has evolved over the years. Charles Seeberger was instrumental in improving and disseminating the technology in the 20th century, and after World War II mass production began, making escalators the standard in new commercial buildings.
The safety features of modern escalators, including motion sensors and emergency stop systems, ensure a high level of safety. In a city like Cologne, where daily traffic volumes are high, escalators are becoming an indispensable part of urban life. Despite the challenges associated with their operation, their importance remains undisputed - whether in a department store, at a train station or in a new office building. The escalator has found its place in the city's history and will continue to play a central role in the next 100 years.
July 11, 2025 will not only be an anniversary date, but also an occasion to celebrate the technological wonders that accompany us every day. The past and future of escalators in Cologne are closely linked, and people will continue to look with wonder at the emerging monster of mobility.