Nordwestdeutsches Museum für Industriekultur

About the museum

The Norddeutsche Wollkämmerei und Kammgarnspinnerei, or Nordwolle for short, was founded in 1884 by the Bremen entrepreneurial family Lahusen and grew into a worldwide textile group by the 1920s. The group’s spectacular collapse in 1931 was one of the triggers of the German financial and economic crisis. Production finally ceased in 1981, after which the site developed into a lively urban district. The listed factory complex is considered unique in Europe.

The factory museum uses around 2,300 square meters of historic factory buildings around the turbine house of 1902, the former power station. Partly still working machines and many original objects show the production process, operational organization and the everyday working life of the employees.

In December 1997 the city museum opened in the factory’s first engine house of 1884. It leads from prehistoric finds via Delmenhorst Castle into the 20th century. Since 2006 both buildings have appeared under the shared name Nordwolle Delmenhorst.

The turbine house is also the architectural highlight of the site: the former power station hosts theater, readings, concerts and regular special exhibitions; the hall can also be rented for private events and weddings. In the outdoor area, a circuit with illustrated information panels introduces the surviving buildings such as the owner’s villa, workers’ houses and production halls, and shows how they are used today. As an anchor point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH), the museum and site are of national and international importance.

Highlights

• Factory museum with partly working textile machines
• Turbine house of 1902, former power station and now a stage for theater, readings and concerts
• City museum with a reconstruction of the Anker linoleum pavilion by Peter Behrens
• Exhibition on migration and population movements
• Tour of the listed factory site with information panels

Permanent exhibitions

• Fabrikmuseum Nordwolle – History of the Nordwolle from its founding in 1884 through the group's collapse in 1931 to its closure in 1981, with machines and original objects.
• Stadtmuseum Delmenhorst – City history from prehistory through the medieval castle to the Wirtschaftswunder (economic boom), covering topics such as migration, industrialization and National Socialism.

Operated by

Stadt Delmenhorst

Admission & discounts

Public guided tour on the first Sunday of the month: €6, reduced €5.

Accessibility

• 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

According to the museum, accessible without barriers.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Workshop series WolleKidZ for children from age 6, every third Sunday at 14:00 (€6, registration required); activities for children's groups such as “Vom Schaf zum Garn” (From Sheep to Yarn); children's birthday parties can be booked.

Getting there & parking

For your navigation device, enter Lahusenstraße.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

The turbine house can be rented for events and weddings.

Plan your visit