The Ruhr Museum is located in the former coal washing facility of the Zollverein colliery, shaft XII in Essen. It has existed since January 1, 2008 as an independent foundation within the Zollverein Foundation and sponsored by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Rhineland Regional Association and the city of Essen. As a regional museum, its permanent exhibition shows the entire natural and cultural history of the Ruhr area. It does not see itself as a classic industrial museum, but rather as a memory and showcase of the Ruhr metropolis.