LWL-Industriemuseum Glashütte Gernheim

The art of glassmaking has a long tradition along the Weser River. At the Gernheim Glassworks, this craft comes to life in a historic setting. The Gernheim Glass Tower, built in 1826 and one of the last of its kind in Germany, offers visitors the opportunity to experience the production of glassware up close. Here, glassmakers demonstrate their skills using a blowpipe, wooden molds, and scissors, while next door, the glass is refined through cutting and engraving. The museum, once one of the most important glass factories in northern Germany, not only illustrates the techniques of glassmaking but also provides insight into the economic and social context of the 19th century. Preserved parts of the factory village, including the oldest workers’ houses in Westphalia and the glassworks owner’s residence, offer insights into everyday life. Spread across several floors, approximately 2,000 exhibits document the diverse uses of glass. Special exhibitions and creative workshops round out the offerings and attract numerous visitors.