Keramiekcentrum Tiendschuur Tegelen

About the museum

The roots of the house lie in the clay of Tegelen: even the Romans used the material for utility ceramics and roof tiles, and the place name derives from the Latin “tegula”. When the ceramics industry in Maastricht flourished around 1830, the potter's craft in Tegelen largely collapsed, and only from about 1860 did an industrial brick and roof-tile production emerge here. In 1935 George Goossens, co-director of the Russel-Tiglia company, organised an exhibition of old Tegelen pottery; these pieces still form the basis of the collection today.

In 1936 Goossens also opened a studio in which young workers were trained as craftspeople and which inspired artists such as Corneille and Karel Appel. The studio became the Kunst Keramisch Centrum, which moved into the Tiendschuur in 1985; in 1987 the pottery museum was added. On 21 June 1987, museum and studio opened together as the Keramiekcentrum Tiendschuur.

The building is a restored 18th-century tithe barn on the grounds of Holtmühle Castle, a largely complete castle complex with moats, gates and gardens. Today the house shows historical ceramics of the region alongside contemporary ceramic art from all over Europe and offers studios, courses and demonstrations of pottery throwing, calibrating and clay ceramics from a 3D printer.

Highlights

• Collection of historical Tegelen ceramics and contemporary ceramic art
• Free demonstrations: pottery throwing, calibrating and 3D printing with clay
• Free tour almost every Friday at 2 p.m.
• Museum studio with courses and children's workshops
• Tithe barn on the grounds of Holtmühle Castle

Permanent exhibition

• Sammlung: Tegelener Keramik und zeitgenössische Keramikkunst – Historical pottery from Tegelen stands alongside current works by European ceramic artists and insights into firing techniques and craftsmanship.

Founded

1987

Admission & discounts

A cup of coffee or tea is included in the admission. Free with Museumkaart.

Accessibility

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

The museum describes itself as wheelchair-friendly; almost all areas are accessible, only the circuit on the upper floor is not accessible to wheelchair users. Lift to the first floor, stairs with handrails and resting points, toilet with raised seat and armrests on the ground floor. Folding stools (also usable as a walking stick) are lent free of charge. Assistance dogs are welcome, pets are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's clay courses, hands-on afternoons in the studio during the holidays (from age 6), children's birthday parties and school programmes for various grade levels.

Getting there & parking

From the A73, exit Belfeld (17) towards Tegelen, then Verlengde Kasteellaan. Because of works at the Venlosche Poort, a changed route applies from 14 September to 13 December: visitors by car park on the Kasteellaan and walk across a temporary bridge to the forecourt; for suppliers and guests with disabilities, a detour leads via the temporary bridge at the Broeklossing to the car park of Château Holtmühle.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Museum café and museum shop share one room; coffee and tea are served in handmade ceramic cups by regional potters. Bags, backpacks and umbrellas are not allowed in the exhibition and can be stored in free lockers at the entrance. Free guest Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit