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German Museum of Centrifuges

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of centrifuge technology and join us on an exciting journey through the history of centrifuges!

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GEA Westfalia Separator – historic machine label

Explore the German Museum of Centrifuges

Over 100 original machines and impressive masterpieces of engineering and craftsmanship await you on 500 m² of exhibition space. Discover the forerunners of today‘s high-tech centrifuges and experience how technology has shaped industry and society since the late 19th century.

To mark the 110th anniversary of Westfalia Separator in 2003, the German Museum of Centrifuges was opened in Oelde. Our three museum curators, Dietrich Bretz, Peter Hollenbeck and Peter Schoettler, look forward to welcoming you and inviting you to embark on a journey through 130 years Westfalia Separator history, filled with lots of exciting stories to tell.

From the milk centrifuge to the heart of the production plants of numerous industries

When Franz Ramesohl and Franz Schmidt registered their handoperated “milk skimming machine” for a patent in 1893, they laid the cornerstone for a success story which has persisted until today. The globally operating GEA Westfalia Separator Group GmbH grew out of their small workshop in Oelde in Westphalia, Germany.

The interesting fact: Modern separators and decanters are still based on the same principle as in the beginning of the mechanical separation technology. Liquid mixtures or solids in liquids are separated from each other by centrifugal forces created by rapid rotation in a bowl.

Separator test bay from 1920

Hand driven milk separator from 1920

German Museum of Centrifuges logo

100 years old separator drive

Curd cheese separator

Office of former director Werner Habig

First Ramesohl & Schmidt separator

The development of separators is presented systematically and chronologically using milk as an example. This allows visitors to understand the advancing technology and its application in the dairyindustry. Using the example of the companies Ramesohl & Schmidt / Westfalia Separator, the development of separator manufacturers over time is shown, providing a unique insight into the history of the industrial companies and their innovations.

Over 100 different exhibits

The exhibits are arranged according to different areas of application so that interested visitors can experience a clear and thematically structured presentation of centrifuge technology. The modernization will not only make the museum an informative experience, but also an important cultural anchor point for technology and industrial history.

Plan your museum visit - Everything you need to know

Guided tours: You can visit the German Museum of Centrifuges at any time by prior appointment.
Duration: approx. 60 to 90 minutes.
Group size: Individual visitors and groups of up to 15 persons.
Fees: A donation of €5 per person is kindly requested from private visitors, families, associations, and individual groups. For school pupils and students, we would appreciate a donation of €2 per person.
Languages: Guided tours are offered both in German and English.
Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Evening or Saturday tours available upon request (subject to prior arrangement).