Museum De Lebbenbrugge - Borculo

Museum De Lebbenbrugge is a historical museum located in Borculo, Gelderland, in the Achterhoek region. The museum is located in a centuries-old Saxon farmhouse, which was already there around 1400. Back then it was still a small farmhouse on a sandy cart track, but nevertheless this route was an important trade route, a so-called hessenweg, between cities in Germany and the Hanseatic cities of Zutphen and Deventer. As a result, De Lebbenbrugge has a long, fascinating history.

Around 1550, the Lord of Borculo had his hunting grounds here and had a hunting lodge built attached to the farm. Later, De Lebbenbrugge also became a toll house and inn, because of the many merchants who passed the trade route.

In the mid-18th century, a farming family came to live in De Lebbenbrugge, but unfortunately the farm fell into disrepair and the residents had no money to refurbish it. In 1931, the last residents left and the H.W. Heuvelstichting bought the farm. After a thorough renovation, De Lebbenbrugge was opened as a museum in 1934: the oldest museum in Gelderland and one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.

The museum displays various aspects of farm life, including farming tools, household goods, furniture and clothing. It gives an insight into the traditional way of living and working in the countryside, showing how farmers used to work their land and keep animals.

The farm is surrounded by an idyllic landscape with old trees, meadows, wet and dry natural land and a small river. This makes it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Photos: ©Ton Trel + Employees The Lebbenbrugge