Kindergartenmuseum Nordrhein-Westfalen

The Kindergarten Museum of North Rhine-Westphalia is the first and only museum of its kind in the region. It sits on Quirlsberg in the centre of Bergisch Gladbach. The building itself is part of the town’s everyday life, not hidden away on the edge. The museum grew from a 1994 initiative by the non-profit KindergartenMuseum e.V. Since 2004 it has shown how childcare and early education have changed over time. The Renate-Röhrscheidt Foundation, set up in 2007 under the NRW-Stiftung umbrella, supports its work. Angelika Rüttgers acts as its patron. Inside there are seven rooms filled with old playrooms, toys, books and equipment. Visitors learn about key educators such as Froebel and Montessori and how training for nursery staff has evolved. Changing exhibitions explore themes like 100 years of Montessori practice or handmade cradles. Regular events include story hours and craft sessions, while guided tours are available for individuals and groups.