Westfälische Salzwelten

Salt – a treasure underground

A glance into a salt crystal: Sodium and chloride ions, evenly held in a crystalline grid, are reflected in the walls of a cube into infinity. The exhibition Westfälische Salzwelten (Westphalian worlds of salt) in Bad Sassendorf examines salt in all its facets: from salt extraction in the Middle Ages to the brine spa today.

The world of salt at the historic Haulle farm

For centuries, salt has shaped the area around Bad Sassendorf. Already in the Middle Ages it was extracted from the numerous brine springs, processed in saltworks and sold as a valuable commodity via the Hellweg – at that time the most important long-distance trade route. Today, salt characterizes the region with its healing effect.

The Westfälische Salzwelten originated within the framework of the Regionale Südwestfalen. The aim was – in a network of seven cities and municipalities – to increase the attractiveness of the region through a tourist highlight that created identity and to strengthen its core competence “Salt & Health”. In the middle of Bad Sassendorf, in the heritage-protected Hof Haulle, we have developed an adventure exhibition with many experimental installations and interactive exhibits, which offers young and old an inviting place to explore and try out.

A salt crystal as a link

Like a giant crystal – strangely oblique – a glass cube rises out of the historic brick building. In the inside, the staircase is located. But at the same time the crystal is a magical place of metamorphosis, inviting you to linger with a kaleidoscopic play of light. This is where the thematic focus of the exhibition changes: The ground floor is dedicated to salt as a treasure in the depths of the earth, to the scientific element and its significance in history. The upper floor is dedicated to the visitors themselves: What role does salt play in our bodies, in our lives and in our health?

The ground floor is kept in dark, earthy tones. Salt crystals shine like treasures in the depths of the earth.
The upper floor appears bright, vital and flooded with light. This is about salt as an elixir for people.

Acting like a salt merchant? At an interactive media table, visitors can playfully try out the interaction of various factors in the salt extraction process.
Various listening stations in the tour of the exhibition shed light on myths, customs and the history of salt and bathing.
Those who extract salt call the cooking of brine in large salt boiling pans 'disturbing'. The visitors slip into the role of those who extract salt and are instructed to produce evaporated salt.
Visitors can relax and enjoy the brine inhalation.

Service

Project development

  • Concept and Feasibility study
  • Economical analysis
  • Visit forecast
  • Marketing and public relations
  • Sponsoring support
  • Moderation of development and decision-making processes

 

Conception and scenography

  • Concept positioning and thematic definition
  • Development of dramaturgy and main idea
  • Content development and exhibition conception
  • Media conception and storyboarding
  • Development of interactive exhibits

Design and planning

  • Exhibition design and planning
  • Development of a Corporate Identity
  • Graphics and guidance systems
  • Exhibits and furniture

Project information

  • Client: Gemeinde Bad Sassendorf
  • Execution period: 05/2013 – 02/2015
  • Exhibition area: ca. 1000 sqm
  • Visitors: 80.000

Contact person

Claudia Baulesch

Project Management and Head of Scenography