Stiftsmuseum Wissel

About the museum

In the village center of Wissel, next to the Romanesque vaulted basilica of St. Clemens from the early 12th century, stands the Alte Kaplanei, one of the last surviving canons' houses in the village. The church belonged to a canons' foundation (Kanonikerstift) which, according to the museum, was founded in 825 by Count Luthard of Kleve.

The modest Baroque house from the 17th century was to be demolished, but it was saved by a private initiative and extensively renovated. In 1997 the Stiftsmuseum moved into its rooms. It is run by a support association (Förderkreis), which is financed through membership fees, exhibitor rents and donations.

The permanent exhibition tells the story of the Stift and of the tobacco village of Wissel, where tobacco was grown on a large scale from the mid-18th century until 1960. A village shop from before the war, which the Höfkens family ran until the late 1970s, shows everyday life of that time; there are also Ice Age finds such as mammoth teeth. Regional artists also use the house for changing exhibitions.

Highlights

• Alte Kaplanei, one of the last canons' houses in the village
• History of the Wissel canons' foundation (Kanonikerstift)
• The tobacco village of Wissel
• Village shop from the prewar period
• Ice Age finds such as mammoth teeth
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Stiftsgeschichte und Tabakdorf Wissel – The permanent exhibition is devoted to the canons' foundation and the former tobacco cultivation in the village, and shows an old village shop as well as Ice Age finds.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Förderkreis Stiftsmuseum Wissel e. V.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The museum is located directly beside the churchyard of St. Clemens church in the village center of Wissel.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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