Fight for survival: Upper Harz Mining Museum facing closure!

Fight for survival: Upper Harz Mining Museum facing closure!

In the idyllic town of Clausthal-Zellerfeld, the Upper Harz Mining Museum is facing a serious test. Since its founding in 1892, it has been the oldest technology and open-air museum in Germany and has attracted an impressive 5.5 million visitors during this time. Well, so reported news38.de, it fights for survival. A line could be drawn on January 1, 2026, if the city administration actually stops operating the museum.

The reason for this potential closure is the lack of a viable operating model. The council of the mountain and university town of Clausthal-Zellerfeld decided this on September 17th. However, the museum plays a central role in the region's tourist network and is of great importance as a link between the World Heritage Foundation and voluntary organizations. It not only functions as a popular excursion destination, but also offers a valuable learning location for schools and is therefore a soft location factor for the local economy. So there is a lot at stake.

The reaction of the citizens

In response to the threatened closure, the Oberharzer History and Museum Association e.V. has launched a petition entitled “Save the Oberharzer Mining Museum in Clausthal-Zellerfeld!” brought into being. This commitment is having an impact – almost 3,000 signatures have already been collected so far mvnb.de. Supporters have until December 3, 2025 to cast their vote. These signatures should send a strong signal to the council meeting on December 4th.

In order to find a long-term solution, around 30 representatives from different areas met for a “round table”. The establishment of a non-profit GmbH as a possible new sponsor of the museum was discussed. A concept for this should be developed by the next meeting on October 29th. The hope for a positive outcome remains, but the pressure on decision-makers is growing.

Preserve a piece of history

The Upper Harz Mining Museum documents the history of Harz mining from the Middle Ages to the 19th century and therefore has incomparable value for the region. As the owner, the city of Clausthal-Zellerfeld is required to find a solution in order not to lose this cultural asset. There is something going on there, and it remains to be seen whether the citizens can work together to give their museum a chance of survival.

There is still hope, and collecting signatures could be the first step towards a desirable change. The survival of the museum is not just a question of numbers, but also of preserving a part of German history and culture. The next few weeks will be crucial.