Klöppelmuseum

About the museum

Abenberg is considered a stronghold of bobbin lacemaking (Klöppelhandwerk), which has run through the town's history for some 400 years. In 1913, the Abenberger Klöppelschule (lace school) was founded as a vocational school for textiles; it still offers courses for children and adults today. In the 1970s, the local history association (Heimatverein) began building a collection on a voluntary basis, from which the Klöppelmuseum in the town hall emerged in 1981.

Since the summer of 2001, the museum has been based at Abenberg Castle. It shows works from Abenberg and other European countries, including linen laces, pattern books, lace pattern sheets (Klöppelbriefe), tools, liturgical vestments, fans, handkerchiefs and hand-made bobbin-lace evening dresses. A special feature is lace made from gold and silver threads. These are based on the region's leonic wire industry and are hardly seen in such variety anywhere else.

Visitors learn how lace art has changed and what matters in lacemaking; at a hands-on station, they can try it themselves. The collection belongs to the Heimatverein Abenberg and has been digitized; it can be viewed online as a virtual depot. The castle museums are run by the Zweckverband Burg Abenberg (special-purpose association).

Highlights

• Metal bobbin lace in gold and silver (leonic threads)
• Bobbin lace demonstrations and hands-on station
• Hand-made bobbin-lace dresses, liturgical vestments, fans and handkerchiefs
• Virtual depot of the entire collection online
• Children's birthday parties and a discovery tour for children

Permanent exhibition

• Klöppelmuseum – 400 Jahre Spitzenkunst – Bobbin lace from Abenberg and Europe, metal lace in gold and silver, pattern books and tools, and a hands-on station to try lace-making.

Founded

1981

Operated by

Zweckverband Burg Abenberg

Admission & discounts

The museum ticket covers the Klöppelmuseum, the castle museum and all exhibitions in the building.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 Klöppelmuseum has a ground-level entrance. On the ground floor, all rooms are reachable without thresholds; the upper floor is reached only by stairs. The castle grounds are accessible without steps from the parking area, but have cobblestones, gravel and slight slopes. With prior registration (09171 814200), vehicles can drive up to the castle courtyard at the museum entrance. Dogs are allowed on the castle grounds but not inside the museum rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Discovery tour "Echt Spitze" for children aged 8 and up (150 minutes, max. 8 children, €80 flat fee) for birthday parties or holiday programs; hands-on lacemaking station in the museum. Family ticket €10; children under 6 free.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A6 from Schwabach West (B 466 toward Gunzenhausen/Abenberg), or via the A9 from Allersberg through Roth.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Hotel and restaurant at Abenberg Castle.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit