Essen, Germany was chosen as the Capital of Culture for 2010, bringing recognition and investment to the city and Ruhr region. The designation transformed Essen, especially through the development of new cultural centers like the Limbecker Platz shopping center and the redevelopment of the historic Zollverein coal mine into a creative industries hub. Other projects included renovating Essen's city center by converting it into the new City Hall Gallery, further establishing Essen as a representative for the larger Ruhr region.