Grugahalle
Messeplatz 2, 45131 Essen
The Grugahalle is part of the Gruga complex in Essen-Rüttenscheid, which also includes the Grugapark, the Grugabad (an outdoor swimming pool) and the Messe Essen (trade fair). GRUGA stands for the „Große Ruhrländische Gartenbau-Ausstellung“ (Great Ruhrland Horticultural Exhibition), which took place in Essen in 1927 and 1952. The Grugahalle was built in 1958 on the old foundations of an exhibition hall from 1927, which had been destroyed during World War II.
The design for the "butterfly" made of steel and glass was created by architects Ernst Friedrich Brockmann and Gerd Lichtenhahn. The roof spans an open area of 80 x 80 metres. Its steel construction and the steel-glass façade are supported by a reinforced concrete substructure.
The multifunctional hall can accommodate up to 10,000 people and offers a varied programme. Bill Haley, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones performed here, politicians from Konrad Adenauer to Angela Merkel were guests and several big sporting competitions were held in the Grugahalle.
