Bocholter Handwerksmuseum

Founded in 2007, Bocholter Handwerksmuseum is a foundation based in Bocholt, Germany working on heritage, education.

The Bocholter Handwerksmuseum is a museum in Bocholt, Germany, run by the non-profit Stiftung Bocholter Handwerksmuseum Dues Stadtsparkasse. It was opened in June 1993 on the initiative of master cabinetmaker Walter Dues and is housed at Köcherstraße 4. The museum preserves historical craft heritage, including around 34 historic workshops with tools, machines, drawings and documents, and a historic craftsman's dwelling from the 19th century. It presents more than 30 traditional trades to the public. Visitors can take part in hands-on activities such as printing by hand in the 19th-century printing shop, rope-making, flour milling and turning, and the museum offers courses in blacksmithing, pottery, soap-making and analogue photography. Children's guided tours and school lessons are also offered. The foundation's purpose is to preserve craft heritage and convey a historical picture of traditional trades to the public. Its governing bodies are a board of trustees (Kuratorium) and an executive board (Vorstand), with representatives of the Dues family, Stadtsparkasse Bocholt, the Kreishandwerkerschaft Borken and the Förderkreis des Handwerksmuseums Bocholt e.V. The museum also holds an annual Martinsmarkt and recurring craft meetings. Donations are accepted, and membership of the supporting association is available.