Feuerwehrmuseum Kirchlengern

About the museum

The collection dates back to 1972, when Hans Kleemeier began gathering documents, uniforms, helmets, rank insignia and other firefighting items. The occasion was the merger of his fire unit with two other fire units in the municipality. By the mid-1980s the collection had grown so large that a public exhibition seemed the natural next step.

The museum was opened in 1990 by the supporting association and has been located at its current site in the Häver district since 2003. It is considered unique in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region. On about 800 square meters, it tells roughly 200 years of fire brigade history. The exhibits are largely arranged in lifelike scenes, so that how they work is easy to understand.

The focus of the collection is the development of the turntable ladder from 1870 to 1993. Highlights include a horse-drawn turntable ladder (Pferdedrehturmleiter) from around 1900, said to be the largest and heaviest of its kind in Germany. The vehicle fleet ranges from a water-cooled Magirus turntable ladder from 1940 to a Hanomag turntable ladder with a Magirus body from 1954. There are also holdings on breathing apparatus, uniforms, awards, water supply and motorization. The museum is run by the Förderverein Feuerwehrmuseum Kirchlengern e.V. (friends' association).

Highlights

• Horse-drawn turntable ladder from around 1900, the largest and heaviest of its kind in Germany
• Collection on the development of the turntable ladder from 1870 to 1993
• Historic fire engines, from the Magirus turntable ladder to the tanker fire engine
• Lifelike displays on around 800 square meters
• Spontaneous tours are usually possible

Permanent exhibition

• Feuerwehrgeschichte und Drehleitersammlung – Historic fire engines, turntable ladders and equipment show around 200 years of fire brigade history in lifelike scenes, with a focus on the development of the turntable ladder from 1870 to 1993.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Förderverein Feuerwehrmuseum Kirchlengern e. V.

Director

Hans Kleemeier

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

There are areas on fire safety education for children and opportunities to try being a firefighter yourself.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Häverstraße in the Häver district and is easily reached by car and bicycle.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit