In 1962, the teacher Karl Pollender founded the first museum of local history in two rooms of the old town hall. The growing interest led to the entire half-timbered house being converted into a town museum between 1977 and 1981.
Today, a permanent exhibition covering around 800 square metres takes you chronologically through the town's history - from Stone Age settlers through the Middle Ages to the present day. Impressive original objects tell of mining, the railway, the brine baths and of course Sim-Jü, the famous funfair. Personal stories come to life in the "Citizens' Room" - very close to the people who have shaped Werne and continue to do so today.
A special highlight is a chasuble, a medieval chasuble discovered in 1995, which can be marvelled at in its own museum annex. Changing special exhibitions constantly bring new perspectives into the museum.
But the city museum is more than just an exhibition: history is brought to life with guided tours, film and picture evenings and special events. Supported by the dedicated Friends' Association, the focus is primarily on young visitors. For example, there are programmes for celebrating children's birthdays and creative workshops for school classes and daycare centres.
