Josef-Winckler-Haus
Literary museum in the birthplace of the writer Josef Winckler at the Gottesgabe saltworks in Rheine – closed until the end of October 2026.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum is located in the former inspector's apartment in the salt-boiling house of the Gottesgabe saltworks in Rheine. The writer Josef Winckler was born here in 1881, the son of the saltworks inspector. He died in 1966 and wrote over 40 books. He gained literary importance with the "Eiserne Sonette" (1912–1914), the first collection of industrial poetry in German literature. His breakthrough came in 1923 with the picaresque novel "Der tolle Bomberg", which sold over 750,000 copies and was adapted for film twice.
Although Winckler spent only his childhood in Rheine, he remained connected to the town: in 1961 he endowed the Josef-Winckler-Preis for the best students in the town and bequeathed it furniture, family portraits, and a large part of his library. This estate forms the core of the museum. Previously it had been shown in the Falkenhof; in 2005 the town of Rheine set up the museum in the birthplace.
In rooms furnished in the style of the Biedermeier era, visitors experience childhood memories from the turn of the century, early industrial poetry, the escapades of "Der tolle Bomberg", and expressive painting. A poet's room and a library convey the atmosphere of a writer's life.
Highlights
- Birthplace of the writer Josef Winckler
- Poet's room and library
- Rooms in the Biedermeier style
- "Eiserne Sonette" – the first industrial poetry in German literature
- World of "Der tolle Bomberg" and expressive painting
Permanent exhibition
- Leben und Werk von Josef Winckler – The former living quarters of the saltworks inspector's family present the life and work of the writer Josef Winckler, from industrial poetry to "Der tolle Bomberg".
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Stadt Rheine
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
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
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours, workshops and programs can be booked through the Städtische Museen Rheine (phone 05971 939711). |
