Historische Fabrikenanlage Maste-Barendorf

About the museum

On the Baarbach stream north of Iserlohn's city center, the brass manufacturers Johannes Duncker and Franz Maste set up a water-powered rolling mill in the 1820s. Casting, grinding and forging buildings, a wire-drawing mill and other workshops were gradually added; products included needles, fittings, bells and candlesticks for export. After Duncker left, the complex remained in the Maste family's ownership for around 160 years.

The company's own production ended after World War I; parts of the site were leased and used for metalworking until the 1950s. The City of Iserlohn acquired the listed half-timbered buildings in the early 1980s and in 1985 began converting them into a museum and artists' village.

In 1987 the Nadelmuseum (Needle Museum) moved into Haus B; it shows needle making, so characteristic of Iserlohn, from craft to industry, as well as the living conditions of the workers. It was joined by the machines of an Iserlohn hairpin factory from the late 19th century, which are still set in motion during demonstrations, and a brass foundry where brass casting is demonstrated.

Today the Städtische Museen Iserlohn (municipal museums) run the complex as an open site for industrial heritage, art and nature: studios, a sculpture garden, a hands-on garden with beekeeping, a café and an event hall bring the village to life. Barendorf is an anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage and the setting of a popular Christmas market.

Highlights

• Needle museum with media stations on Iserlohn's needle industry
• Working 19th-century hairpin machines with demonstrations
• Brass foundry with brass-casting demonstrations
• Ensemble of half-timbered factory buildings on the Baarbach
• Sculpture garden and artists' studios
• Needle-themed industrial heritage playground

Permanent exhibitions

• Nadelmuseum – Exhibition in Haus B on the history of needle making in Iserlohn, with media stations where you can hear memories of female workers and factory owners.
• Haarnadelfabrik – Five historic, belt-driven machines from an Iserlohn factory that turn wire into finished hairpins during demonstrations.
• Gelbgießerei – Demonstration workshop on brass casting, which made Iserlohn an important industrial location in the 18th century.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Städtische Museen Iserlohn

Director

Dr. Sandra Hertel (Leiterin der Städtischen Museen)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission (Nadelmuseum and grounds).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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

The grounds can be reached without stairs but have cobblestones and loose chippings. The Nadelmuseum is not wheelchair-accessible (rooms on different levels with steps); all media stations have induction loops. The brass foundry (Haus G) is accessible; the hairpin factory is not, but can be viewed from the gallery at the entrance. Event hall on the lower floor of Haus A with accessible entrance (paved ramp) and wheelchair-accessible restroom; wedding room on the upper floor only via a steep staircase.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

Industrial-heritage playground themed around needle making (climbing, balancing, slide, sand); nature education programs about the garden and bees.

Getting there & parking

GPS destination: "Zum Schmelztiegel".

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Café Barendorf (House H) with an outdoor terrace, picnic area. Bee observation hive and hands-on garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Event hall in Haus A for up to 80 people with kitchen, tables and chairs for €400 (subject to availability); the outdoor grounds cannot be rented privately. “Ambiente” weddings of the Iserlohn registry office on selected Saturdays in the wedding room of Haus A (approx. 20 guests), bookable only through the registry office.

Plan your visit