In order to secure the Cologne-Minden railroad line, Forts A, B and C were built in the Minden fortress complex from 1947. Fort A was completed in 1849 and was used for military purposes as planned until the Minden fortress was abolished. The railroad had great strategic advantages, as soldiers could now be transported more quickly from one place to another. This made it possible to cover greater distances than had previously been possible on foot. As the border of the kingdom began in the immediate vicinity of the station, this ensemble was also secured.

The entire Fort A complex was around five times larger than the "Reduit", the heart of the complex, which is still preserved today. After its military function, Fort A served as a military hospital and also as accommodation for soldiers. In 1878, the dismantling of the four outer defensive rings on the site began, leaving only the Reduit standing, which was refurbished for use as an infirmary and accommodation. Large windows were cut into the outer wall for this purpose. The military use ended in 1918.

Because the ground was contaminated with meters of oil from its previous use, the site had to be extensively renovated. Original plans to set up the Prussian Museum here came to nothing. Fort A was used as temporary storage for larger agricultural equipment, which was stored here until a possible exhibition in the Minden Museum.

When the British left the city in 1994 and thus their barracks on Simeonsplatz, the buildings were earmarked for museum use. Fort A was left to its fate. The ensemble remained dormant for years before the Tucholsky Bühne took it over in 2008. The theater people are firmly convinced that the ancient building has never been put to better use than it is today. They say that Fort A has simply been waiting for them for so long.

Price info

It is a public place where you don't have to pay admission.

This does not apply to events.

Directions & Parking facilities

You will find parking spaces directly on site. The train station is in the immediate vicinity.

Contact person

Minden Marketing GmbH

Company

Domstr. 2

32423 Minden

info@mindenmarketing.de

Event