Gütersloh Town Museum

In the heart of Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia, lies a treasure trove of history and culture: the Gütersloh Town Museum (Stadtmuseum Gütersloh). This charming museum, housed in a series of historic buildings, offers visitors a captivating journey through the city’s past, from its earliest days to the modern era. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture buff, or simply a curious traveler, the Gütersloh Town Museum promises an enriching experience.

The History of the Museum

The origins of the Gütersloh Town Museum date back to 1935 when the first local history museum was established. However, the current museum owes its existence to a generous donation by Dr. Wilhelm Angenete and his sister Else in 1982. They gifted two properties in the city center with the stipulation that a museum be created there. The museum officially opened its doors in 1988 in the so-called Backsteinhaus, with the Heimatverein Gütersloh (Gütersloh Homeland Association) as its sponsor. Over the years, the museum has expanded, incorporating neighboring historic buildings, including a half-timbered house from around 1750, which once served as Gütersloh's first Prussian elementary school.

Exploring the Museum's Collections

The Gütersloh Town Museum is renowned for its diverse and extensive collections that cover various aspects of the city's history. The museum is divided into three main permanent exhibitions: the history of the city, the history of medicine, and the history of industry. Each of these exhibitions offers a unique perspective on Gütersloh's development and heritage.

The History of the City

The exhibition on the history of Gütersloh takes visitors on a chronological journey from the Bronze Age to the present day. Among the highlights are original prehistoric artifacts and a replica of the Pavenstädter Riesenbecher, a 3,500-year-old giant cup that is one of the oldest signs of human settlement in the area. The exhibition also includes a reconstruction of a teacher's apartment from the early 19th century, reflecting the building's past as an elementary school.

A notable section of the exhibition focuses on the everyday life of Gütersloh families around 1868, showcasing furniture and household items from both Protestant and Catholic households. Another intriguing display is the complete workshop of the Thiro family, who operated a copper smithy in Gütersloh for three generations until 1977. The workshop, housed in the former stable of the half-timbered house, includes tools and equipment used to produce pots, pans, and distillation units for local distilleries.

Additionally, the exhibition honors the city's benefactors and donors, highlighting individuals who have made significant contributions to Gütersloh's welfare. Among them is Reinhard Mohn, who founded Germany's oldest civic foundation in Gütersloh in 1996. A bronze sculpture of Mohn, created by the Wiedenbrück sculptor Hubert Hartmann, is on display in this section.

The History of Medicine

The Gütersloh Town Museum boasts a remarkable collection dedicated to the history of medicine, making it the only local history museum in northern Germany with such a focus. This exhibition, which received a special prize at the European Museum of the Year Awards in 1990, features a fascinating array of medical artifacts and displays.

The collection includes the desk of Nobel Prize-winning bacteriologist Robert Koch, which he used during his tenure as director of the Institute for Hygiene in Berlin. Other notable exhibits include two dental practices from 1925 and 1955, a vintage X-ray machine, and an iron lung from the 1950s, one of the few remaining examples of this life-saving device in Germany.

The foundation of this collection was laid by Dr. Wilhelm Angenete, who donated not only the buildings but also the contents of his medical practice, including instruments, furniture, and educational materials dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. The museum has since expanded its collection to include items from other notable Gütersloh physicians and medical institutions.

The History of Industry

The industrial history exhibition at the Gütersloh Town Museum provides a fascinating insight into the city's economic development. It focuses on the textile and metal industries, which played a significant role in Gütersloh's growth. The exhibition features workbenches, machines, and a fully functional mechanical loom, illustrating the evolution of industrial processes over time.

One of the highlights is the section on washing and washing machines, which pays tribute to the local household appliance manufacturer Miele. Visitors can learn about the company's history and its impact on the domestic appliance industry.

Special Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Gütersloh Town Museum hosts around five to seven special exhibitions each year. These exhibitions cover a wide range of local topics, from historical events and cultural developments to contemporary issues. The museum also collaborates with other institutions to bring traveling exhibitions to Gütersloh, providing visitors with fresh and engaging experiences.

The Gütersloh Town Museum is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a vibrant cultural hub that connects the past with the present. Its diverse collections and engaging exhibitions offer a comprehensive view of Gütersloh's history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the city's rich heritage. Whether you're exploring the ancient artifacts, marveling at medical innovations, or delving into the industrial past, the Gütersloh Town Museum promises an unforgettable journey through time.