LVR-Industriemuseum Hendrichs Drop Forge

The world of factory owners and forges | LVR Museum Hendrichs Drop Forge

Hot iron is part of everyday life here. The Hendrichs drop forge in Solingen is still a hive of industry today just as it used to be back in the day. Producing steel. Be part of the action and watch how a glowing blank becomes a pair of scissors.

Industrial culture up close at the Hendrichs drop forge

There is something suitable for all generations here. Watch the smiths at work and see at close quarters when the drop hammer hits the red-hot steel and it cracks and hisses.

Today, as in the past, the “Made in Solingen” label stands for precision craftsmanship. Experience the exciting history of the cutting implements industry and find out more about the heyday of blade production in Solingen. Founded in 1886, family business F. & W. Hendrichs became one of the biggest drop forges in the Bergisches Land where blanks were forged for local industry.

Everything is still as it was back then. A changing room with old lockers, washroom, machine and boiler house, and an office. See for yourself how the smiths used to work. Next door, you’ll find an entirely different world. The stylish house that was part of the family business provides authentic insights into the everyday life of a factory owner's family. A visit to a museum couldn’t offer greater contrasts, right?

What’s more: Once a week, the forge offers a sharpening and repair service where you can have your own knives and scissors brought back to life by the experts on site.

Events and guided tours at the LVR Museum

There’s always something going on at the Hendrichs drop forge. As well as exciting guided tours, interesting hands-on sessions are also regularly available. For more information, visit industriemuseum.lvr.de.