Haus Martfeld

About the museum

Haus Martfeld goes back to a medieval moated castle, attested in the 14th century as a small border fortification of the Archbishop of Cologne; the name refers to the marshy terrain. Over the centuries the complex grew: the round tower was built around 1450, the north wing in 1618, and the gatehouse with drawbridge in 1627. After 1752 the merchant Johann Peter Hochstein built the south wing and gave the house its present form. The ensemble also includes a granary from 1583 and a neo-Gothic chapel designed by the Cologne architect Vincenz Statz in 1860.

Until 1954 Haus Martfeld was privately owned, most recently by the von Hövel family, and then the city of Schwelm acquired it. In 1962 the local history museum moved in, followed in 1966 by the city archive with a historic library whose holdings reach back to the 16th century.

The municipal museum tells, in themed rooms, of settlement, the economy, the Enlightenment and the bourgeoisie, middle-class domestic culture in the Baroque hall, and industrialization and textile production. A working ribbon-weaving mill is put into operation during demonstrations. The surrounding park with play areas and paths, a restaurant in the north wing, as well as concerts, readings, markets, and civil wedding ceremonies make Haus Martfeld a cultural venue for the city.

Highlights

• Moated castle with round tower and gatehouse from 1627
• Working ribbon-weaving mill with weaving demonstrations
• Baroque hall on middle-class domestic culture
• Granary from 1583 and neo-Gothic chapel
• Park with play areas and restaurant

Permanent exhibitions

• Stadt- und Regionalgeschichte Schwelm – Themed rooms lead from settlement through the economy, the Enlightenment, and the bourgeoisie to industrialization, complemented by a working ribbon-weaving mill.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Stadt Schwelm

Director

Dr. Bärbel Jäger

Admission & discounts

Because the third floor is closed, reduced prices currently apply. Open guided tours and museum talks are free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

• Playground / play area

There are play areas and walking paths in the park of Haus Martfeld.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Restaurant Haus Martfeld in the north wing with a conservatory and a large terrace.

Events & venue rental

• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil wedding ceremonies at Haus Martfeld; concerts, readings, and exhibitions take place in the south wing.

Plan your visit