De Middelste Molen

About the museum

Paper has been made on the Loenense Molenbeek by the Apeldoorns Kanaal since 1622. The mill long belonged to a farm; the “paper farmers” of Loenen carried on farming in winter, when the water froze. In 1886 both Middelste Molens then in existence burned down; a year later only one works was rebuilt, the present mill.

Around 1740 there were about 168 paper mills on the Veluwe. With the steam engine and electricity, machine production later prevailed. With its small works, the Middelste Molen still produced in the traditional way until 1960; in 1969 it was shut down completely and fell into disrepair.

At the end of the 1980s the Dutch paper industry provided money for its rescue; in 1989 the region's paper mills jointly bought the works and placed it in a foundation. After restoration, the first sheets of paper once again came off the machine in 1991. In 2001 a separate museum foundation was added so that the site could be run as a working museum.

Today more than seventy volunteers use guided tours to show the whole path from raw material (cotton, linen, hemp, cellulose) through hand scooping and the historic Fourdrinier machine to drying on steam-heated cylinders. The paper, ranging from watercolour paper to special paper for conservators, is sold in the paper shop.

Highlights

• The only Dutch paper mill powered by water and steam
• Historic paper machine and steam dryer of 1895 in operation
• Handmade paper, also with watermarks
• Papermaking, Ebru and Washi workshops
• Paper shop with artist and conservation paper

Permanent exhibition

• Papierfabrik mit Führung – Tour through the working mill: from tearing and grinding the raw materials through scooping to drying on steam cylinders.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Stichting Museum De Middelste Molen

Admission & discounts

Tickets can be booked online with a time slot (recommended) or on site subject to availability, payment by card only (no cash). Online payment with a foreign bank card is not possible – in that case reserve by phone and pay at the ticket desk. Online tickets are not refunded; date changes up to 48 hours in advance by email.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The reception and a large part of the mill are accessible by wheelchair; a few places are difficult with a wheelchair or large rollator. Accessible toilet in the reception area. Dogs on a lead are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Children can scoop paper themselves in workshops, and on the tours you may try scooping. Next to the terrace there is a water playground, which is also accessible to children with disabilities.

Getting there & parking

The mill can also be reached via the towpath along the Apeldoorns Kanaal.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

In the reception room and on the terrace there are coffee, tea, soft drinks, pastries and soup. Paper shop and gift shop (Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., in winter Wed–Sat) with artist paper, cards and books.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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