Weißgerbermuseum

About the museum

The Weißgerbermuseum (Tawers' Museum) in Doberlug-Kirchhain is considered the only museum of its kind in Europe. It is housed in a half-timbered building from 1753 that served as a tannery from the start. White leather and fine glacé leather were produced here until 1947 – for centuries, Kirchhain was a town of tanners and leather workers.

After operations ended, the workshop remained largely intact. In 1958 the building was declared a protected monument, and on May 26, 1963, it opened as a museum of the history of technology. The town of Doberlug-Kirchhain runs the museum.

The centerpiece is a technical display that brings the craft of tawing around 1900 to life with vats, tannery machines and tools. It is complemented by a 19th-century shoemaker's workshop and journeymen's room, a collection of leathers and hides from many countries, and pewter guild vessels.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum regularly presents special exhibitions and has a specialist library on leather production and regional history.

Highlights

• Historic tannery from 1753, in operation until 1947
• Technical display of the tawing craft around 1900
• 19th-century shoemaker's workshop and journeymen's room
• Collection of leathers and hides from around the world
• Tanners' guild vessels

Founded

1963

Operated by

Stadt Doberlug-Kirchhain

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