Sonderausstellung: "Von der Wolle"
May 10, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
Euskirchen-Kuchenheim
The new special exhibition "From Wool – A Story of Animals, Machines, and Humans from 1800 to Today" showcases the eventful history of the raw material wool at the Tuchfabrik Müller of the LVR-Industriemuseum.
As early as 1800, the demand for particularly fine wool increased throughout Europe. Newly developed textile machines placed increasingly precise demands on the material wool – such as fiber length and crimp. As a result, sheep breeds were deliberately bred to meet industrial needs. In the 20th century, wool came under increasing pressure from substitutes such as synthetic or re-spun wool. This trend was intensified from 1933 onwards by raw material shortages and the Nazi autarky plans. Poor wearing properties led to a loss of trust among consumers, while supposedly low-maintenance synthetic fibers captured the market. It wasn't until the environmental movement of the 1970s that the image of wool began to improve again.
Today, the natural material wool is being rediscovered. Companies and initiatives are exploring a variety of applications, even beyond fashion and clothing. Aspects such as wearing comfort, durability, and biodegradability contrast with experiences of scratchy clothing, felting, and moth infestation. Questions about animal welfare and CO₂ balance are also becoming louder. While the global wool market is characterized by large producers with huge homogeneous herds and partly controversial husbandry methods in Australia and New Zealand, regional initiatives are increasingly focusing on sustainable sheep husbandry and new utilization concepts.
The exhibition invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery through the surprising variety of wool utilization across approximately 550 square meters. The 200 exhibits mainly come from the museum's own collection. Conservators from the LVR-Industriemuseum and students from TH Köln have examined them – with some unexpected results. The objects provide insights into the different facets of wool: A pre-spinning roller from a cloth manufacturer in Aachen from 1860 represents the complex processing steps of the raw material. A travel dress from 1880 impressed with excellent weather protection – and shows that wool, when processed correctly, acquires functional properties. This is also reflected in technical applications such as tennis balls or piano keys. Sheep models exhibit the diversity of some sheep breeds that are now extinct. Historical illustrations and media stations complement the presentation. Those who want to take a closer look can literally examine their own clothing under a microscope.
Time: Tue.-Fri. 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Sat. + Sun. 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: €6 adults, free for under 18, €11 combo ticket with permanent exhibition
Location: Euskirchen-Kuchenheim, LVR-Industriemuseum Tuchfabrik Müller, Carl-Koenen-Str. 25b
Info Tel.: 02234. 9921555
