Textilmuseum Groß-Siegharts
Living textile museum in a former ribbon factory with demonstrations of working looms and a transmission system in Groß-Siegharts.
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About the museum
Groß-Siegharts in the Waldviertel lived for a long time from ribbon weaving. As early as 1720, small houses were built under the rule of the Counts of Mallenthein, in which six to ten people produced ribbons and other textiles as home workers. Traders known as "Bandlkramer" carried these goods throughout the Monarchy and gave the region the nickname "Bandlkramerlandl". Around the middle of the 19th century, large steam-powered factories followed, in which over a thousand people worked under harsh conditions.
The museum opened in 1988 in a wing of the former Wagner ribbon factory and is run by the municipality together with the association Forum lebendige Textilgeschichte. On around 600 square metres it displays about 1,000 exhibits on the development of textile production in the Waldviertel and on the everyday lives of the workers.
What makes it special is that the machines are in operation: in the former weaving hall, a reconstructed transmission system with shafts and leather belts drives several looms and textile machines, which are demonstrated during guided tours. Visitors experience the work steps in a factory first-hand, right down to the vibrating floor.
Highlights
- Working looms and textile machines are demonstrated
- Complete transmission system with leather belts
- History of Groß-Siegharts ribbon weaving and the Bandlkramerlandl
- Everyday life and working world of factory workers
Permanent exhibition
- Lebendes Textilmuseum – On around 600 m², about 1,000 exhibits show the development of ribbon weaving and the life of factory workers; looms and machines run via a transmission system.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Stadtgemeinde Groß-Siegharts und Verein Forum lebendige Textilgeschichte
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Pensioners with ID |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 6 · Children and teenagers; children up to 6 years free. |
| Seniors | €7Pensioners with ID. |
| Groups | €7 per personTour and school groups: adults €7, pupils €4. |
Prices 2026. Free admission with the Niederösterreich-CARD.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Tours can be made child-friendly on request.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking at Dr.-Rudolf-Kraus-Platz and along Karlsteiner Straße and Raabser Straße.
Enter "Karlsteiner Straße 4" into your satnav.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Individually arranged tours can be tailored to your wishes, for example child-friendly or with a focus on technology or local history; tours are also available in English. |
