Industriemuseum Lauf

About the museum

The museum is located in an old craft and trade district below Lauf's old town, where the water power of the Pegnitz was used. The ensemble includes an iron hammer mill, the Riedner Mühle with a small hydroelectric plant, and four large water wheels from around 1900; the entire complex is a listed monument.

The industrial museum opened on May 10, 1992, initially in four buildings. In 2008, ten buildings of the former valve cone factory Dietz & Pfriem were added, which produced from World War I until the 1960s and is now presented as an almost completely preserved factory complex with a drop forge and turning shop. The sponsor is the town of Lauf an der Pegnitz.

Across around 4,000 square meters in 14 buildings, the museum tells of life and work in a small industrial town between about 1890 and 1970. The sections range from early industry through craft businesses such as hat making, shoemaking, and a pharmacy to apartments of different eras, including a furnished home from the economic miracle era (Wirtschaftswunder). A historic steam engine, more than 20 hands-on stations, and demonstrations of historic technology make the connections vivid.

Highlights

• Iron hammer mill and grain mill with water wheels
• Historic steam engine
• Almost completely preserved valve cone factory Dietz & Pfriem
• Apartment from the economic miracle era
• More than 20 hands-on stations
• Museum garden with water playground

Permanent exhibitions

• Leben und Arbeiten 1890–1970 – A tour through 14 listed buildings with a hammer mill, mill, steam engine, craft businesses, factory halls, and furnished apartments. Hands-on stations and demonstrations explain the technology.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Stadt Lauf an der Pegnitz

Director

Dr. Christiane Müller

Admission & discounts

Card payment possible. Guided tours from €10.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 listed buildings are not fully accessible. Accessible by wheelchair are the rooms of the valve cone factory (drop forge, turning shop), the steam engine, and the special exhibition rooms. Accessible parking space in front of the museum, two accessible restrooms, and an elevator.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family tours with or without a hands-on activity, more than 20 hands-on stations, and in summer a water playground in the museum garden. Children's birthday parties for children aged 5 and over (150 minutes, up to 12 children) with a discovery tour and activity; you may bring your own cake.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the Fünf-Flüsse-Radweg (Five Rivers Cycle Route) and is a stop on the Radtour Industriegeschichte (industrial history bike tour); bicycle racks opposite the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Lockers

In summer, a café area in the museum garden. Backpacks and bags belong in the lockers; dogs are not allowed in the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Rooms for meetings, creative workshops, and team events; civil weddings in the farmhouse kitchen of the Riedner Mühle with a subsequent sparkling wine reception and a tour for the guests. Room rental according to the fee schedule €100 per hour and room, minimum three hours.

Plan your visit