Regional Aldenhoven, North Rhine-Westphalia

Schützen- und Heimatmuseum Aldenhoven

Small museum in the Old Tower, a remnant of the 15th-century town fortifications, on shooting-society tradition and local history.

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About the museum

The Old Tower in Aldenhoven is a remnant of the town's medieval fortifications and dates from the second half of the 15th century. The brick tower with a domed vault and conical roof belonged to the northwestern town gate, the Aachen Gate, and was one of two towers; only the foundations of the second remain. In 1898, parts of it collapsed during road-widening work. In World War II the tower was damaged and was later rebuilt. It has been a protected monument since 1986.

In 2001, the St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft (shooting brotherhood) took over the tower from the municipality. After just over two years of planning, the conversion into the Schützen- und Heimatmuseum began in 2003, and members carried out much of the work themselves. The outside of the building was renovated; inside, new ceilings and an additional floor were added. The work dragged on until 2011.

Today the museum displays objects from the shooting tradition, such as king's chains, banners, uniforms and minute books, and it also tells the story of Aldenhoven's local heritage and history. A room in the tower has been used for weddings since 2012. Visits are possible by appointment, and the tower is open to visitors on Open Monument Day.

Highlights

Town-wall tower from the 15th century
King's chains, banners, uniforms and minute books of the shooting brotherhood
Exhibition on the heritage and history of Aldenhoven