MuseumFabriek Winterswijk

About the museum

The MuseumFabriek is the regional museum of Winterswijk and is run by the association "Het Museum". Since 2012 it has displayed its collection on the Laan van Hilbelink in a former textile factory of the firm Meijerink en Zonen, which is part of today's Morsepoort complex. It was one of the seven textile factories that Winterswijk once had. Previously the older Museum Freriks had existed in the town and was closed; the association and the operating foundation made a fresh start with the MuseumFabriek. From 2017 to the end of 2024 there was also a second site on the Meddosestraat, the interactive museum "De Wereld van Wenters".

The museum tells Winterswijk's history from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Fossils from the local quarry and mammoth bones stand alongside works by Winterswijk artists such as Max van Dam, Jaap Rooke and Louis Nijhuis. Historic looms from the town's factories are demonstrated, and there are also exhibition areas on the Second World War, clothing, the Moluccan music scene and the writer Gerrit Komrij. A large storage depot and the Historical Information Point (HIP), with documents for local and family history research, round off what is on offer.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers and, following an assessment, meets the requirements of the Dutch museum standard.

Highlights

• Historic looms with demonstrations in an old textile factory
• Fossils from the Winterswijk quarry and mammoth remains
• Art by Max van Dam, Jaap Rooke and Louis Nijhuis
• Winterswijk in the Second World War
• Moluccan music in Winterswijk
• Historical Information Point (HIP) and depot visit on request

Permanent exhibitions

• Textiel en weverij – Looms from the Winterswijk factories, which are demonstrated, and the history of the local textile industry.
• Tweede Wereldoorlog – Winterswijk during the occupation, with stories about resistance, people in hiding and the consequences of the war for the population.
• Max van Dam – Life and work of the Jewish Winterswijk painter Max van Dam.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Vereniging Het Museum te Winterswijk

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart and for members of the association. Depot visit: price on request. Tickets are available at the museum desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 museum describes itself as wheelchair-friendly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The museum advertises interactive exhibitions for young and old; school classes receive educational tours.

Getting there & parking

Two footpaths lead to the entrance: from the bus stop on the Laan van Hilbelink (next to the escape room, footpath past the physiotherapist) and from the Zonnebrink ("Museum Fabriek" sign at the sharp bend by the old cannon).

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum shop sells coffee and tea, books on the history of Winterswijk and souvenirs woven on the museum's looms (bags, towels, tea towels).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit