Bandwirkermuseum Ronsdorf

Volunteer-run museum in the former ribbon weaving school with working ribbon and Jacquard looms from Ronsdorf's home industry.

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About the museum

Ribbon weaving had been the most important source of income in Ronsdorf since the town was founded in 1745. Around 1900, some 2,000 ribbon looms were running in the then independent town, most of them operated by home ribbon weavers. Only from the mid-20th century did the trade decline.

To preserve this memory, the Arbeitskreis Bandwirkermuseum (Ribbon Weaving Museum working group) was formed in 1989 within the Ronsdorf Heimat- und Bürgerverein (local heritage and citizens' association), initiated by Josua Halbach, a long-time home ribbon weaver. With support from the City of Wuppertal, the museum was established in a historic location, the former Prussian ribbon weaving school, colloquially known as the Fachschule (technical school).

The museum shows the technical development of the ribbon industry, from the hand-operated Mühlstuhl (mill loom) of about 1836 through electrically powered ribbon and Jacquard looms to modern automatic looms. Winding and bobbin machines and warping reels convey the picture of home ribbon weaving. Demonstrations include the making of Riete (ribbon warp), the preparation of Schetspulen (weft bobbins), and the punching and lacing of Jacquard cards; information sheets explain the technical terms.

Highlights

Working ribbon and Jacquard looms
From the hand-operated mill loom to the automatic loom
Demonstrations of Riete, Schetspulen, and Jacquard cards
Building of the former Prussian ribbon weaving school
Run by volunteers who were once ribbon weavers

Permanent exhibition

Technik und Geschichte der Bandwirkerei – Historic ribbon and Jacquard looms, auxiliary machines, and demonstrations of home ribbon weaving in Ronsdorf.

Founded: 1989
Operated by: Ronsdorfer Heimat- und Bürgerverein (Arbeitskreis Bandwirkermuseum)

Admission & discounts

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Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

By public transit

Am Stadtbahnhof

From Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof, take bus lines 620, CE 62, 630, 640, or 670 to the stop “Am Stadtbahnhof.”

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Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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Plan your visit

Guided tours	yes
Good to know	Visits outside opening hours by arrangement; information sheets explain the terms of ribbon weaving. On International Museum Day the house opens with a café (Bandwirkercafé).