Kreismuseum Zons

About the museum

The Kreismuseum is housed in Burg Friedestrom, the former toll castle of the Cologne archbishops in Zons, which is among the best-preserved late medieval fortifications on the Lower Rhine. After the buildings had long fallen into disrepair, today's Rhein-Kreis Neuss had the complex comprehensively renovated and expanded starting in 1970. The museum was founded in 1972; today, together with other institutions, it forms the district's cultural center.

The acquisition of a collection of Art Nouveau pewter objects in 1979, which is among the most extensive of its kind in Europe, shaped its development. Ten years later the estate of the artist Helmut Hahn was added, with textile works, paintings, and graphic art. Through these holdings the museum changed from a general district museum to a museum of applied art and cultural history.

Besides the permanent displays, the museum regularly shows exhibitions on textile art, porcelain, silver, and cultural-historical topics. The archaeological finds relating to the castle's history are currently not on display. Markets at Easter and in Advent as well as museum education programs for daycare centers, schools, and families round out the program.

Highlights

• Collection of around 100 Art Nouveau pewter objects in the exhibition "Zinn zur Zierde" (pewter as ornament)
• Large-format wall hangings by Helmut Hahn
• Location in the medieval Burg Friedestrom in the toll fortress of Zons
• Children's birthday parties with a treasure hunt in the castle grounds

Permanent exhibitions

• Zinn zur Zierde – Around 100 artfully crafted Art Nouveau pewter objects from around 1900 – from vases and centerpieces to lamps and writing utensils.
• Helmut Hahn – Wandbehänge – Large-format abstract textile works from the years 1978 to 1994, made of sewn-on strips of fabric.

Founded

1972

Operated by

Rhein-Kreis Neuss

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission on Wednesdays and on the first Saturday of every month for residents of the Rhein-Kreis Neuss (with ID).

Free admission also for members of the Museumsbund, ICOM, and the friends' association.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

Most exhibition rooms can be reached via a platform lift (up to 300 kg); on weekends the lift cannot be used except during special events. The historic vaulted cellar is not accessible. Prior consultation is recommended.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties with a puzzle treasure hunt in the castle, holiday workshops and creative activities; programs for daycare centers and school classes also in Park Friedestrom.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A 57, exit Dormagen-Zons, then follow the signs to Zons.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Small café with beverages; coffee and cake for groups by arrangement. Pets are not allowed in the museum.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit