Bügeleisenhaus

In the charming old town of Hattingen, nestled in the southern Ruhr area of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands a unique and eye-catching structure known as the Bügeleisenhaus. This half-timbered house, built in 1611, is a captivating example of historical architecture, drawing visitors with its distinctive shape and rich history.

The Distinctive Shape of Bügeleisenhaus

The Bügeleisenhaus, which translates to Iron House, derives its name from its peculiar, iron-like shape. This trapezoidal building narrows as it follows the junction of two narrow streets, creating a striking visual effect. The northern side of the house is the broadest, measuring 8 meters, while the southern end tapers down to just 2.57 meters. This unique form is a result of the building’s adaptation to the surrounding urban landscape, making it an architectural curiosity.

The upper floor of the building is supported by corbels, which extend up to 0.80 meters on both eaves sides. Some of the beams are adorned with intricate carvings of masks and volutes, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. Although the single-story stable that once stood on the southern side, built in 1865, no longer exists, the building retains much of its original charm and character.

A Glimpse into History

The Bügeleisenhaus was commissioned by Wilhelm Elling, a Hattingen citizen who was likely a merchant, in the year 1611. In 1620, an extension was added to the gable side, and a well from that period, 6 meters deep, still exists today. The building also features a cellar and a door beam inscribed with a house motto.

From 1771 to 1856, the house was home to cloth makers who produced fabrics for both men’s and women’s clothing as well as uniforms using handlooms. The last cloth maker to reside in the house was Franz Sindern.

In 1853, the Jewish butcher Salomon Schmidt purchased the house and transformed it. He added a slaughter room, a sausage kitchen, and a small shop. A classicist-style shop window was installed next to the front door, and the other windows were enlarged. The gable side was clad in slate, a staircase was added, and a small stable for a horse was built on the gable side, which is no longer present.

In 1874, Schmidt and his wife transferred their entire estate, including the house, to their daughter Amalie and her husband, butcher Nathan Cahn. Their descendants, Selma and Alfred Abraham, were the last Jewish owners of the house before being dispossessed, deported, and murdered by the Nazis in 1941. The house was returned to the Jewish Trust Corporation (JTC) in 1945, which later sold it to the city of Hattingen.

The Museum Era

In 1955, the local heritage association Heimatverein Hattingen/Ruhr e. V. acquired the Bügeleisenhaus, thanks to the efforts of Heinrich Eversberg, Fritz Seier, and Wolfgang Rauh. In collaboration with the regional conservator of Westphalia-Lippe, the association renovated the building, partially restoring its presumed original appearance. Local master carpenter Walter Gröpler carried out all the carpentry and carving work.

In 1962, the renovated building was inaugurated as the Heimathaus with an East German Homeland Room. The museum, which was mostly open only on Sundays until 2011, showcased finds from the Isenburg, such as coins, ceramics, old tools, and bones. The upper floor rooms were dedicated to Hattingen poets and artists Hildegard Schieb, Otto Wohlgemuth, and Ferdinand Krüger until 2011. From 2012, the museum opened from April to December on Saturdays and Sundays, on holidays from 3 to 6 PM, and by appointment. However, as of December 5, 2021, the museum is closed, and the Bügeleisenhaus is no longer accessible to the public.

Exhibitions and More

Over the years, the Bügeleisenhaus hosted various exhibitions. Notable exhibitions included Broken is His Coat of Arms, His Castle Filled with Ruins – The Excavation Finds from Hattingen Castle Isenberg, Merchant, Weaver, Butcher, Artist – Stories from Haldenplatz No. 1, MADE in HATTINGEN – Goods from the Homeland, and The East German Homeland Rooms Hattingen 1962 to 2002.

Location and Accessibility

Located at Haldenplatz No. 1, 45525 Hattingen/Ruhr, the Bügeleisenhaus is situated in the heart of Hattingen's old town. Although the museum is currently closed, the building remains a significant landmark and a testament to the town's rich history and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the Bügeleisenhaus is not just an architectural gem but also a symbol of Hattingen's vibrant past. Its unique shape, historical significance, and the stories it holds make it a fascinating site for anyone interested in exploring the history and culture of this charming German town.