Bocholter Handwerksmuseum

About the museum

The Bocholt Handicraft Museum goes back to the private initiative of master carpenter Walter Dues, who over decades gathered tools, machines and entire workshop furnishings. In June 1993 he opened his museum on Köcherstraße, where the collection is housed in several half-timbered buildings. The founder looked after the museum himself well into old age.

To secure the collection permanently, Walter and Hedwig Dues established a non-profit foundation in 2007 together with the Stadtsparkasse Bocholt, into which the land, buildings and exhibits were transferred. After the founder's death in August 2018, the museum initially remained closed and reopened in May 2019. Since then, the foundation and a support association with many volunteers have run it; in 2024 the support association was awarded the Heimatpreis of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

On display are over 30 crafts with more than 5,000 tools, devices and machines, including a smithy, rope-making workshop, mill, print shop and woodworking shop as well as a historic craftsman's dwelling. The focus is on working techniques from the early 19th to the mid-20th century. Regular demonstrations, courses in old techniques and markets make the museum a lively place.

Highlights

• Over 30 fully furnished historic workshops in half-timbered buildings
• More than 5,000 tools, devices and machines
• Historic craftsman's dwelling
• Hands-on guided tours for children in the mill, rope-making workshop, woodworking shop and print shop
• Courses in old techniques such as blacksmithing, printing and papermaking
• Annual Martinsmarkt

Founded

1993

Operated by

Stiftung Bocholter Handwerksmuseum Dues – Stadtsparkasse

Admission & discounts

Trainees and travelling journeymen enter free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

Many buildings are very old; the museum is not barrier-free in some areas.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

On the children's tours "Little Craftsmen", children step into the role of craftspeople and make something themselves in the mill, rope-making workshop, woodworking shop or print shop, which they can take home. A packed picnic can be eaten in the Zunftklause or in the museum courtyard. Pottery courses also for children.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The museum is available for club meetings, conferences and gatherings; enquiries directly to the museum.

Plan your visit