Töpfereimuseum Raeren

About the museum

The Töpfereimuseum Raeren has been housed in Burg Raeren since 1963. It was the first institution to offer a comprehensive overview of the history of Raeren stoneware, and it regards itself as the only institution in the world with this focus. The core of the collection consists of archaeological finds from Raeren since the 1950s, ranging from simple everyday pottery of the 13th and 14th centuries to decorated tableware of the Renaissance and Baroque.

The collection is supplemented by long-term loans from the Hetjens-Museum in Düsseldorf and the Royal Museums of Art and History in Brussels, which cover the history of production up to its end in the 19th century. There are also products of historicism, mainly by Hubert Schiffer, 20th-century reproductions and, since the early 1980s, the Rehker Collection of Roman ceramics and stoneware from other Rhineland and East German pottery centres. Since 1995 the museum has also collected contemporary ceramics.

The castle was built in the mid-14th century at the confluence of the Iter and Periol streams, on the site of a former iron ore smelting works. Its core is a two-storey residential tower. In 1583 Philipp de Lomont had the building almost doubled in size, and in the 18th century it was rebuilt in the Romantic style. Since 1959 part of the castle has belonged to the municipality of Raeren. Every year the Euregio Ceramics Market takes place here, with the awarding of the Euregio Ceramics Prizes.

Highlights

• Raeren stoneware, from everyday tableware to Renaissance and Baroque pieces
• Long-term loans from the Hetjens-Museum Düsseldorf and the Royal Museums in Brussels
• Rehker Collection of Roman ceramics and Rhineland stoneware
• Contemporary ceramics and the annual Euregio Ceramics Market
• Medieval moated castle with a 14th-century residential tower
• Pottery animation, creative programmes and children’s birthday parties

Permanent exhibition

• Raerener Steinzeug – The permanent exhibition shows production technology, export and trade, everyday and display tableware, the great masters of the Renaissance and the end of production, supplemented by contemporary ceramics.

Founded

1963

Admission & discounts

Residents of the municipality of Raeren have free admission. museumPASSmusées, VISITWallonia.be, ICOM and 365.be are accepted.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The route leads across a paved courtyard that is hard to negotiate in a wheelchair; a small portable ramp gives access only to the reception desk and tourist information on the ground floor. There is no lift and no accessible toilet. Assistance dogs are allowed. For blind and visually impaired visitors, a special guided programme is available on request (90 to 120 minutes, up to 10 people).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Pottery holidays during school holidays, a creative programme and children’s birthday parties with pottery, mostly on Wednesday afternoons; at least one adult must be present.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available

The museum has no café of its own. Opposite is Café Haus Zahlepohl; the Distillerie Radermacher, with a visitor centre and restaurant, is also within walking distance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit