Museum Oorlog in de Peel

About the museum

The museum's collection has its roots in the Second World War. A German soldier who had slipped away in civilian clothes left his complete equipment with the Pouwels family in America. Thei Pouwels Jr. hid the items and, after the liberation of America on November 22, 1944, began preserving objects from the war. In 1975 he joined a documentation group, ’40–’45; in 1983 his son Edie bought a Willys jeep and restored it over two years. After a hobbyists' exhibition in America in 1985, many villagers entrusted him with further wartime finds.

In 2000 Edie set up a small museum for his father in an old mushroom-growing cellar at the house. Since then, schools, veterans and groups of friends have come to visit. The Oorlog in de Peel Foundation wants to tell the personal stories and experiences of the people of North Limburg during the Second World War, in an accessible, educational and safe environment. On display are, among other things, uniforms, weapons and personal objects that illustrate the everyday lives of soldiers and civilians.

The Melderslo site has been renovated, including new floors and a new entrance. The offering also includes documentary films and, by arrangement, a battlefield tour with authentic Second World War vehicles. The roughly 12-kilometer walking and cycling route “Voetsporen uit ’t Verleden” ends at the museum.

Highlights

• Uniforms, weapons and personal items from the Second World War
• Focus on local stories from North Limburg and the Peel
• Free guided tours with personal accounts
• Battlefield tour with authentic WWII vehicles (by arrangement)
• Walking and cycling route “Voetsporen uit ’t Verleden” (about 12 km) ending at the museum

Permanent exhibition

• Der Krieg in der Peel – Uniforms, weapons and personal items show the everyday lives of soldiers and civilians in North Limburg during the Second World War.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Stichting Oorlog in de Peel

Admission & discounts

Guided tours are free. Coffee, tea or soft drinks cost €2.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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 museum describes itself as wheelchair-friendly; an accessible parking space is located at the entrance.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The walking and cycling route “Voetsporen uit ’t Verleden” (about 12 km) starts at Dagje Horst aan de Maas and ends at the museum.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit