Rheinisches Feuerwehrmuseum
Association-run fire brigade museum in Erkelenz-Lövenich with historic fire engines, hand-operated pumps, helmets and a play corner.
About the museum
The Rheinisches Feuerwehrmuseum opened on May 28, 1994, in the village center of Lövenich, a district of Erkelenz. The core was the private collection of Peter Hüpgens; today the association Rheinisches Feuerwehrmuseum Erkelenz-Lövenich e.V. runs the house on a volunteer basis.
The museum uses a listed former residential building and the hall of a former farm machinery workshop, connected by a courtyard. The collection ranges from fire buckets and hand-operated pumps of the 16th and 17th centuries to motorized fire engines of the 20th century, turntable ladders, breathing apparatus, uniforms and a large helmet collection from many countries. Many pieces are still technically in working order.
The house sees itself as a place for all age groups: a play corner with a large wooden fire truck invites children to play, and in 1998 the museum received an award as a child-friendly facility. A memorial plaque recalls, as part of Erkelenz's "Route gegen das Vergessen" (Route Against Forgetting), the forced coordination (Gleichschaltung) of the fire brigades in the Nazi era. Regular events include Tanz in den Mai (dancing into May) and a Christmas market.
Highlights
- Vintage fire engines and turntable ladders
- Hand-operated pumps from several centuries
- Helmet and uniform collection
- Play corner with a large wooden fire truck
- Cafeteria to round off your visit
Permanent exhibitions
- Feuerwehrfahrzeuge und Großgeräte – Historic fire engines, hand-operated pumps and turntable ladders show the development of firefighting up to modern times.
- Ausrüstung, Helme und Uniformen – Fire buckets, nozzles, axes, breathing apparatus and a large collection of helmets and uniforms from various countries.
- Founded
- 1994
- Operated by
- Rheinisches Feuerwehrmuseum Erkelenz-Lövenich e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Children from 2 years, pupils, students, trainees, young people, retirees, recipients of ALG II (unemployment benefit II), people with a degree of disability (GdB) of 50 or more, holders of the Erkelenz Ehrenamtskarte (volunteer card) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 1 · Children under 2 years free. |
| Seniors | €2Reduced for retirees |
| Visitors with disabilities | €2companion free · Reduced from GdB 50; one companion (marker B or H) free |
| Students & apprentices | €2 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €2 per personReduced group members €1. |
| Families | €102 adults and 2 children (aged 2–14) |
| Annual pass, adults | €20 |
| Annual pass, children | €10 |
| Annual pass, family | €40 |
| Group tour | €30Flat rate; up to 20 people recommended |
Cash only. School classes from municipal schools and kindergarten groups from Erkelenz have free admission.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 1 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €10 · 2 adults and 2 children (aged 2–14) |
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties: not available
Play corner with a large wooden fire truck for playing and drawing; awarded as child-friendly in 1998. Children's birthday parties are currently not offered.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Parking is signposted in the surrounding area.
Directions are signposted in the surrounding area.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Cafeteria in the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Please request tours by email at least three months in advance (info@rheinisches-feuerwehrmuseum.de); no more than 20 participants are recommended. For kindergarten and school groups there are tours suited to children and young people. |
