Technisches Museum der Bandweberei Großröhrsdorf

About the museum

Ribbon weaving came to Großröhrsdorf in 1680, when the weaver George Hans brought it there from Radeberg, where he had worked before. At first, cottagers (Häusler) worked mainly as home weavers; in 1810, 207 looms were running in the town. By the mid-19th century, Großröhrsdorf had grown with 32 ribbon factories and more than 1,000 looms into one of Germany's largest centers of ribbon and webbing weaving. From 1855 the firm of Johann Gottfried Schöne was the first in Saxony to use a steam engine for mechanical ribbon looms.

After 1972 the private firms were nationalized and assigned to VEB Bandtex Pulsnitz, which became the largest ribbon weaving company in Europe in the 1980s. Historic weaving equipment had been collected since 1976; the sponsoring association was founded in 1997, and in 1998 the Technisches Museum opened in the former ribbon factory building of J. G. Schurig.

On the first floor, the development of ribbon looms from 1680 to modern automatic looms is on display, supplemented by a steam engine and winding and punch-card machines. The upper floor features panels, videos, and display cases about weavers and factory owners, and further machines stand in the outdoor area. The tour begins with a five-minute film.

Highlights

• Demonstrations on more than 15 ribbon looms and weaving machines
• Hand loom from 1680
• Jacquard loom with punch-card control
• Steam engine from 1896
• 60-gang ribbon loom for loop ribbons
• Outdoor area with a calender from 1910; start of the Route Industriekultur

Permanent exhibitions

• Erdgeschoss: Bandwebstühle von 1680 bis zum Webautomaten – Working looms from the hand loom through the Jacquard loom to automatic machines, plus a steam engine, a passementerie loom, and winding and punch-card machines.
• Obergeschoss: Geschichte der Bandweberei in der Westlausitz – Information panels, videos, and display cases on weaving technique, the weavers' way of life, and industrial development, plus special looms such as a 60-gang ribbon loom.
• Außengelände – A calender from 1910 and a punching machine from 1925, plus panels on other Großröhrsdorf businesses; starting point of the Route Industriekultur Oberlausitz in the town.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Großröhrsdorfer Industrie- und Bandmuseum e.V.

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

The exhibition on the second floor can be reached by elevator; an accessible restroom is available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

According to the museum, the guided tours with loom demonstrations are also well suited for families with children; school classes have their own offers and project days.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the town center of Großröhrsdorf, near the town hall.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

On-site museum shop (ribbons, books, bookmarks, postcards).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The green inner courtyard with a terrace can be used individually for events and celebrations; group packages are offered for family celebrations and club outings.

Plan your visit