Sometimes it is the museum weaving in a storage building from the 18th century with an exhibition on linen production that attracts attention. Other times, the distillery Vallen Erben from Straelen impresses with a large array of machines and equipment that represents the technological state around 1910.
An idyllic circular path leads between cultivated gardens, orchards, and pollard willows from station to station. Along the edge of the path, time travelers discover, on the one hand, religious milestones such as small figurine altars and crucifixes, which indicate the religiosity of the predominantly Catholic Lower Rhine. On the other hand, they spot farm animals such as draft horses, donkeys, chickens, and geese in the meadows, which played an important role on the Lower Rhine farms in past centuries.
A historical corner shop has opened for a treat break – in the living-stall house of the Waldniel farm complex: This nostalgically appealing gem, which transports guests back to the 1950s and 1970s, is characterized by its love for detail and retro charm. A chalkboard at the door indicates the specialties of the day. Inside, beside the old Persil advertisement sign, a neon sign shines above the wooden counter, on which a mechanical cash register stands. In addition to cakes and cookies, the shop offers jars of jam and honey, displayed in showcases and displays. Customers quickly notice: The motto "Typically homemade" is highly valued here. Candies are still counted out individually, and Lower Rhine specialties such as spirits, bread, homemade cakes, and fresh eggs are carefully packaged for take-away.
After the sentimental shopping pleasure, guests finally arrive at the baroque noble residence: the Dorenburg, first mentioned in 1326. It is clearly the centerpiece of the entire museum complex. The two-winged grand building received its current form in the 17th century and was expanded for museum purposes from 1967 to 1973. Those who enter the luxurious rooms discover, from the elaborately designed portrait painting to the sparkling chandelier to the open cooking area, the living and representation culture of the Lower Rhine nobility.
The highlight of the cultivated retrospective on past times is yet to come: the visit to the toy museum, which is housed in the former economic building of Dorenburg. Over three floors, guests follow the path through three centuries of toy production. They will find classics such as the first versions of Monopoly, examine educational games and entertainment games, and marvel at the numerous propaganda games. The range of exhibits extends from dolls to tea rooms to toy stoves and teddy bears. Mini racing cars and airplanes must not be missing along with the puppet theater with hand puppets, soapbox cars, and game consoles. The highlight is a huge model railway system on the upper floor - a clear specialty in the open-air museum landscape.
