Museum Brochure
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At a Glance
The Haus der Seidenkultur can definitely no longer be said to be state-of-the–art. Urgently needed structural engineering work is pending in the building erected in 1868 where the Hubert Gotzes weaving workshop produced ecclesiastical textiles from 1908 to 1992. As this work cannot be postponed we have been compelled to temporarily close the Haus der Seidenkultur to the public.
Since the building was constructed, building safety standards have changed significantly. To comply with both the current structural engineering standards and the fire protection standards it is, for example, absolutely essential to install additional escape routes and to reinforce the floor joists in the protected monument.
In total the costs for all the necessary measures amount to around EUR 330,000. The Association of Friends can only successfully meet this huge challenge with the help of generous donations. “Your support means that this sum can be shouldered by many and that the Haus der Seidenkultur can continue to develop into a site of future history on a permanent basis,” says Hansgeorg Hauser, Chairman of the Association of Friends, which is the supporting organisation behind the museum and at the same time the owner of the premises.
Hauser’s appeal: “Every donation, yours too, contributes to preserving this unique site!” The Association of Friends which is recognised as non-profit-making organisation has set up an account for donations for this purpose at the Sparkasse Krefeld (Account No. 342642) (BIN 32050000).
The museum’s activities continue!
Although the HdS will remain closed whilst the structural engineering work is being carried out, the museum’s activities continue. As from January 2012 you can find us at another site in Krefeld both with our current temporary exhibition “Textile Philately” and with exhibits from our permanent exhibition.
Our master weaver, Günter Oehems, together with all the museum’s volunteers is preparing himself for his new “workplace” where traditional handicraft will be presented alongside the history of the “Silk and Velvet Town“.
We will shortly announce where this temporary site will be for the duration of the construction work.
Should you wish to book a “Town Tour on silk routes” or a town walk with a visit to St. Dionysius Church to hear an exclusive performance on the new Klais organ, we can offer these programme options as before without any restrictions.
Why not experience the town like silk and velvet in a historic, entertaining and relaxing atmosphere. Just the place for that are the Krefeld woods which originate from the legacy of one of our “Silk Barons”.
Our museum educationalists are also still running their “Spülchen-Projekte” (Little Bobbin Projects) for children and youngsters.
It goes without saying that our office is also still open to assist you.
“I like the Haus der Seidenkultur because it enables me to really experience Krefeld!”
This statement now applies more than ever.
(Further background information about the current developments can be found in our website under the heading “Press”.)