Haus Ruhr Castle / Ruhr Academy

Haus Ruhr Castle in Schwerte demonstrates how historic architecture and contemporary design practices come together in one place. The former moated castle was once an important knight’s residence; its historically protected complex of buildings, with its preserved walls and castle courtyard, continues to shape the landscape along the Ruhr River floodplains to this day.

In the castle courtyard stands one of the oldest horse chestnut trees in North Rhine-Westfalen. The tree, which is over 200 years old and known as the “Mother of Chestnuts,” serves as a natural monument that reflects the site’s long history.

Since 1987, the Ruhrakademie has been headquartered at Schloss Haus Ruhr. This state-recognized private educational institution for media, design, and art uses the historic rooms for training programs in creative disciplines such as art, photography, illustration, communication design, film, and music. In this way, the former manor house remains not merely a historic monument but continues to serve as a place of learning and work.