Erstes Deutsches Engel-Museum Engelskirchen
Volunteer-run museum in Engelskirchen with over 3,000 angel figures and depictions from four centuries in the Alte Schlosserei.
About the museum
The impetus for the museum came from the collector Johann Fischer of Kürten-Engeldorf, who over some two decades assembled one of the largest angel collections in the world with more than 12,000 objects. The Engelverein e.V. initially planned a new building, but seized the opportunity when the Alte Schlosserei (old locksmith's workshop) at Engels-Platz became available in early 2015. The Erste Deutsche Engel-Museum opened there on November 19, 2015.
The natural stone building was constructed around 1860, served as a locksmith's workshop until the end of the 1960s and then as a restaurant until 2014. In 2023 construction began on an extension, supported among others by the NRW-Stiftung, which opened in 2024. Since then the exhibition has spread over about 340 square meters, all levels can be reached by elevator, and a training room serves as an extracurricular learning venue.
On display are over 3,000 angels from the 17th to 20th centuries in sections on faith and folk piety, art and kitsch, angels from around the world and from the Erzgebirge, angels in advertising, and grave and death angels. Almost 700 figures line up on the so-called Himmelsleiter (heavenly ladder), and outside an angel garden invites visitors. The museum is run entirely by volunteers and is financed mainly through donations and the sale of products around the "Original Engelskirchener Engel".
Highlights
- Over 3,000 angel exhibits from the 17th to 20th centuries
- "Himmelsleiter" (heavenly ladder) with almost 700 angel figures
- Parts of the Johann Fischer collection, one of the largest angel collections in the world
- Angel garden of about 500 square meters
- Section on the Raphael angel and the brand history of Engelskirchen
- Founded
- 2015
- Operated by
- Engelverein e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Children, people with disabilities, unemployed people, students |
| Children & teens | €2.50Children pay the reduced admission. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2.50 |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50 |
| Families | €12.50 |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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
Accessible since 2024: the exhibition and restroom are suitable for wheelchairs and walkers, and the different levels can be reached by elevator.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €12.50 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
Children's tours for groups of 10 or more children (€25 plus €2.50 admission per child) as well as age-appropriate programs for daycare centers and school classes in the learning venue.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Engelskirchen (Bahnhof)
By train to Engelskirchen station, then follow the signs to the Caritas at the town hall grounds/Engels-Platz.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Sale of products of the "Original Engelskirchener Engel", also in the online shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Official branch of the Engelskirchen registry office (weddings since April 2024); appointments via the municipality or the museum. The museum can also be booked for other events.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours by registration: up to 15 people €55, 16 or more people €70, children's tours (10 or more children) €25, each plus admission. Extracurricular learning venue with a training room for daycare and school groups as well as First Communion, confirmation and Protestant confirmation groups; use is free, accompanying teachers free. |
