The foundation “Stiftung Bahnbetriebswerk Hanau” is a foundation under German civil law. It is established under the umbrella of the foundation “Stiftung Deutsche Eisenbahn (SDE)” where the SDE acts as trustee.

The purpose of the foundation is to promote the care and preservation of cultural assets from the field of industrial culture, primarily in the area of railroad history. The purpose of the foundation is realized in particular by

Acquisition of the former Hanau railroad depot.

• Preservation, reconstruction and operation of the facilities of this railroad depot as a Hanau “Object of the Route of Industrial Culture Rhine-Main” and for use as railroad infrastructure and workshop for historical railroad operations. In doing so, the facilities are to be made available to other, primarily non-profit organizations for these purposes.
• Preservation and use of utensils and vehicles of historical railroad operation.
• Demonstration of historical railroad operations.
• Support of other facilities, if they appear necessary for the realization of the goals of the overall concept.

The Hanau railroad depot consists of a rectangular shed, two roundhouses with associated turntables, an administration building and extensive track facilities.

In 2010, the railroad depot was acquired by a newly established company. Its shareholders are the Stiftung Bahnbetriebswerk Hanau, the Stiftung Deutsche Eisenbahn (SDE) and the Association Museumseisenbahn Hanau e.V., the latter of which has leased the entire site. The association's extensive collection of railroad vehicles is maintained at the site, exhibited and used for excursions.