50er Jahre Museum Datteln
Time capsule in a Datteln mining house, restored to its 1955 state, with working exhibits; visits only as part of a booked guided tour.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The 50er Jahre Museum Datteln is located in the Beisenkamp colony, a mining workers' settlement in Datteln. Founder Kevin Nikodem grew up there, had been collecting radios, furniture, records and household items of the economic miracle years since childhood, and on September 20, 2019, acquired the second half of his grandparents' house.
The mining house was in poor condition; instead of a conventional full renovation, it was returned to its original 1955 state based on old photos and building plans. After local press coverage at the end of 2020, the project attracted great interest, and the idea of a museum emerged. From September 2022 the city of Datteln worked with the Volkshochschule (adult education center); since March 13, 2024, the house has been run by the 50er-Jahre-Museum Datteln e. V.
Visitors experience everyday life of the economic miracle years in the kitchen, living room and other rooms. What makes it special: all exhibits are functional and in everyday use, so history can literally be touched. The three-hour guided tour also covers the history of the city of Datteln, mining and the Beisenkamp settlement, and ends with coffee and cake in 1950s style. The association plans to house the museum in the future in the historic Wirxel house in Datteln's city center.
Highlights
- Mining house in its original 1955 condition
- All exhibits working and in everyday use
- Guided tour with demonstrations, coffee and cake in 1950s style
- History of Datteln, mining and the Beisenkamp settlement
- Located in a historic miners' settlement
Permanent exhibition
- Alltag im Wirtschaftswunder – Mining house in its 1955 state, with fully functional everyday objects, furniture, radios and household appliances of the economic miracle era.
- Founded
- 2019
- Operated by
- 50er-Jahre-Museum Datteln e. V.
- Director
- Kevin Nikodem
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €20 |
|---|
The tour (about 3 hours) costs €20 per person and includes explanations, demonstrations, and coffee and cake in 1950s style; maximum 14 people.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is not barrier-free.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
According to the operator, the museum is suitable for all age groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Datteln, Beisenkampstraße · 5-min walk
Recommended bus stops: Datteln, Beisenkampstraße (5-minute walk), Datteln, Vestische Kinderklinik (7 minutes) and Datteln Hauptbahnhof (14 minutes).
By car
Parking available
Guests cannot park on Kolonialstraße (a dead-end street in the miners' settlement). Parking is available around Beisenkampstraße, opposite house no. 9, with up to 12 spaces; please keep private property and neighbors' garages clear.
By car from the A2, exit Henrichenburg, via the B235 toward Datteln; the museum is in the first house on the left of Kolonialstraße.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Coffee and cake in 1950s style are part of the tour. The separate Café Wirxel in Datteln's city center (opened May 1, 2026) is accessible only with prior booking.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The museum can be booked on request as a backdrop for photo and video shoots.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 3 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits only on a guided tour (3 hours, maximum 14 people), bookable via the website. The tour covers the history of the city of Datteln, mining and the Beisenkamp settlement, as well as the museum itself. |
