Deutsches Maler- und Lackierer-Museum

Did the walls whisper secrets of color and craft? Here at the Deutsches Maler- und Lackierer-Museum, they most certainly do. This isn’t about fine art. The Deutsches Maler- und Lackierer-Museum tells the story of house painters and varnishers. Housed in the 400-year-old Billwerder Glockenhaus, also known as the “Glockenhaus” for its bell tower, the museum reveals a craft with over 800 years of history. Journey through the main building and discover historical documents. See old journeyman’s and master craftsman’s certificates. Guild objects and examination pieces reveal the working techniques and lifestyles of generations of painters. Upstairs, room drafts from the early 20th century showcase the painter as not just a craftsman, but also a designer and artist. Explore exhibits on reverse glass painting and illusion painting. Even peek into a painter’s office from a bygone era. The Deutsches Maler- und Lackierer-Museum extends beyond the Glockenhaus. In the adjoining building, “die Tenne,” the focus shifts to the practical side of the trade. A magnificent centerpiece here is the “Punschbowle,” a decorated carriage from 1840, showcasing the exceptional skills of carriage painters. Two workshops from different eras offer further glimpses into the painter’s world. Outside, in a shed, you’ll find “Schott’sche Karren,” two-wheeled handcarts used by tradesmen well into the 1950s, a testament to the simpler times of the trade. And don’t miss the Baroque garden, a tranquil space completing this journey through the vibrant history of painting and varnishing.