Visit us at our production facility in Oelde, Germany
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!
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.
First Ramesohl & Schmidt separator
Over 100 different exhibits
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).
Visit the German Museum of Centrifuges and be inspired!
GEA Westfalia Separator Group GmbH
Werner-Habig-Straße 1, 59302 Oelde, Germany
Phone: +49 2522 77-0
