Bilderbuchmuseum

The Bilderbuchmuseum in Troisdorf is Europe’s only specialised museum dedicated systematically to the collection and exhibition of picture books and artistic picture-book illustrations. It is housed in the manor house of Burg Wissem, a striking classical building with a bright orange façade set in a spacious park with a deer enclosure and adventure playground. Since opening in 1982 the museum has attracted families, illustration enthusiasts and literature lovers from the region and beyond. Visitors encounter classic characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, the Root Children, Tiger and Bear or Robinson Crusoe while discovering contemporary picture-book art at the same time. The reference library of around 3,000 selected titles invites browsing, while temporary exhibitions and permanent collections document the development of illustration over more than a hundred years. The museum combines cultural education with a family-friendly atmosphere and is located only a short walk from Troisdorf’s centre and directly adjacent to the Wahner Heide nature reserve. A visit is worthwhile for anyone who wants to experience the world of picture books at close range – from young children to adults who appreciate the artistic side of children’s literature.

History of Bilderbuchmuseum

The history of the Bilderbuchmuseum begins in 1982, when the Troisdorf merchant Wilhelm Alsleben donated his extensive private collection to the city. It included more than 300 historical original illustrations, numerous lithographic stones, woodblocks and several thousand modern picture books. The city of Troisdorf then established the museum in the manor house of Burg Wissem, which has since become Europe’s only institution systematically collecting and exhibiting picture-book illustrations. Only two years after its foundation the city created the Troisdorfer Bilderbuchpreis, still awarded every two years to recognise outstanding achievements in artistic picture-book illustration. Parallel to this, the Troisdorfer Bilderbuchstipendium supports emerging artists. The collection grew steadily through purchases, donations and long-term loans. In 1995 the museum acquired the historical children’s book collection of Professor Theodor Brüggemann, comprising about 2,000 volumes, the oldest dating back to 1498. In 1999 the well-known illustrator Janosch placed his original drawings on permanent loan; the museum now holds the world’s largest Janosch collection, which has since passed into the ownership of the city. In 2001 the heirs of the Zurich collecting couple Elisabeth and Richard Waldmann donated the unique Little Red Riding Hood documentation collection of around 800 books, paintings, graphics and ethnographic objects. Further important additions included the medical children’s book collection of Axel Hinrich Murken with approximately 4,000 titles and the Friedrich Heller collection of 3,500 artistically outstanding picture books. Today the holdings comprise several thousand original illustrations and more than 12,000 picture books. The museum thus documents the main stylistic developments in European picture-book illustration from the nineteenth century to the present while simultaneously promoting new talent through prizes, scholarships and exhibitions of the award-winning works.

Highlights of Bilderbuchmuseum

Among the special highlights of the Bilderbuchmuseum are the permanent collections and the regularly changing exhibitions. The Waldmann Little Red Riding Hood collection occupies its own room and presents books, illustrations and objects from the eighteenth century to the present, illustrating the many interpretations of the fairy tale. The Janosch collection displays original drawings and illustrations by the famous artist, including works featuring Tiger Duck and Bear. The reference library holds around 3,000 current and classic picture books available for free browsing; children and adults can read undisturbed. The castle’s tower room offers a cosy reading corner with a view over the courtyard. Younger children can let off steam in a dedicated playroom after exploring the museum. Temporary exhibitions explore themes such as comics for children, wimmelbooks or the work of individual illustrators including Anke Kuhl, Wolf Erlbruch, Jutta Bauer and Nikolaus Heidelbach. The museum shows sketches, final drawings and printed proofs, making the creative process of picture books visible. Many exhibitions are interactive and encourage participation. The illustration collection includes works by Helme Heine, Leo Lionni, Sibylle von Olfers and numerous other well-known and contemporary artists. Prize-winners of the Troisdorfer Bilderbuchpreis and the Bilderbuchstipendium are regularly exhibited. The castle park with its deer enclosure, adventure playground and sensory path ideally complements a museum visit and turns the entire site into a full-day destination for families. A visit to the Bilderbuchmuseum typically lasts one and a half to three hours, depending on how thoroughly one explores the exhibitions and the library. The combination of historical and modern picture-book art, interactive elements and the idyllic setting makes the museum a unique experience.

Opening Hours, Tickets & How to Get to Bilderbuchmuseum

The Bilderbuchmuseum is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Mondays; if a public holiday falls on a Monday the museum remains closed. Admission is via a combined ticket with the neighbouring Museum of Urban and Industrial History and costs 5.00 euros for adults, 2.00 euros for children aged 3 to 14, 12.00 euros for a family ticket and 3.50 euros reduced (for senior citizens, students, trainees and people with disabilities on presentation of proof). Entry is free on the first Sunday of each month when the museum is open. Guided tours for children aged 4 to 14 (approx. 90 minutes) cost a flat 50 euros plus reduced admission; adult tours (approx. 60 minutes) cost 60 euros plus reduced admission. By car take the A 59 to the Troisdorf exit, then follow signs for the centre and the Burg Wissem museums. Parking is available in Burgallee (parking disc, max. 3 hours) and at Römerplatz. By public transport travel to Troisdorf station and take bus lines 501, 503 or 508 towards Siegburg to the Ursulaplatz stop (two stops); from there it is only a few minutes’ walk. The walk from the station takes about 15 minutes. The address is Burgallee 1, 53840 Troisdorf. The museum is accessible; a wheelchair-accessible toilet is located on the second floor. The Tourist Information office in the adjacent building provides further advice. The best time to visit is on weekdays outside school holidays when it is quieter; at weekends and during holidays allow a little more time. A visit combines perfectly with a walk through the castle park or the adjoining Wahner Heide.

Attractions Near Bilderbuchmuseum

Immediately next to the Bilderbuchmuseum lie the Museum of Urban and Industrial History and the Wahner Heide Portal, which offers interactive information about the nature reserve. The castle park with its deer enclosure, adventure playground and paths invites visitors to linger right afterwards. Only a few steps away begins the Wahner Heide, one of North Rhine-Westphalia’s most species-rich nature reserves and ideal for walks and longer hikes. Troisdorf’s pedestrian zone with its glass city gates, Fischerplatz and numerous cafés is about a ten-minute walk away. The Siegaue wetlands and the cable ferry at Bergheim are quickly reachable by bike or car. Bonn and Cologne are each only about 15 to 30 minutes away and offer further museums and sights. Rotter See and Sieglarer See are suitable for relaxed walks after the museum visit. The entire Burg Wissem site with its restaurant and café allows for a pleasant break. In this way a visit to the Bilderbuchmuseum can easily be extended into a half-day or full-day outing in Troisdorf and the surrounding area.