Grugaturm, Observation tower in Rüttenscheid district, Essen, Germany.
The Grugaturm stands approximately 29 meters tall in Grugapark with a steel framework design and an observation platform of about 30 square meters at its summit. The structure appears sleek and elegant with clear geometric lines characteristic of 1920s design.
The tower was built in 1929 for the Great Ruhr Garden Exhibition and remarkably completed in just 19 days. It was later expanded with an oval platform during the 1938 Reich Garden Show.
The tower once broadcast music and news programs when radio receivers were uncommon in homes, serving as a symbol of modern communication in its era. People gathered to experience these transmissions as a shared public event.
Visitors must climb approximately 100 steps to reach the observation platform, which requires some physical effort. The reward is a wide view across Essen and the surrounding park areas from above.
A stylized tulip design created by artist Jo Pieper was installed at the tower's peak in 1952 for the Second Gruga Exhibition. This artistic detail remains visible today and adds an unexpected creative touch to the structure.
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