Sozialhistorisches Zigarrenfabrikmuseum der Pfalz

About the museum

After more than a thousand years of rural life, Rödersheim-Gronau transformed within a few decades into a community of industrial workers. The trigger was the establishment of several cigar factories; at their peak, around 800 people worked in the businesses, in a community of only about 1,200 residents. From the late 19th century until the Weimar Republic, the village was considered one of the centers of cigar making in the Palatinate; in 1936 a newspaper article called it the "Dorado der Zigarrenmacher" (cigar makers' El Dorado).

The museum opened in 2009 on the upper floor of the former schoolhouse on Marienplatz, built in 1904. It is run by an association. Documentation on about 35 panels describes how the villages Rödersheim and Alsheim-Gronau changed from farming villages to workers' villages, focusing on working and living conditions, conflicts and health questions.

The centerpiece is the museum workshop: all work steps of handmade cigar production using the European technique from 1850 to around 1958 can be seen here, and demonstrations still produce cigars by hand today. An archaeology section shows the Rödersheim gold bracteate from the 7th century and a model of Gronau Castle; a specialist library rounds out the offerings. A museum café and events bring the house to life.

Highlights

• Museum workshop with cigar-making demonstrations
• Documentation of social history on about 35 panels
• Rödersheim gold bracteate from the 7th century
• Model of Gronau Castle
• Specialist library on the cigar industry
• Museum café with events

Permanent exhibitions

• Sozialgeschichte der Zigarrenindustrie – About 35 panels show the change from a farming village to a workers' community and the everyday life of the cigar workers.
• Museumsmanufaktur – All steps of cigar making – stripping, tearing, wrapping and rolling – are demonstrated with historical tools.
• Archäologie und Burg Gronau – Finds from the local area, such as the 7th-century gold bracteate and a model of the former Gronau Castle.

Founded

2009

Operated by

Verein für Zigarrenmuseum & altes Brauchtum Rödersheim-Gronau e. V.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. Special events (e.g., readings or cooking shows) may involve an admission fee or cost-sharing contributions.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the former schoolhouse on Marienplatz.

Amenities & dining

• Café

On opening days, the museum café serves freshly brewed coffee, homemade gluten-free cake and some savory dishes.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit