Maste-Barendorf Historic Factory Complex

In the 1820s, Johannes Dunker and Franz Maste established a brass rolling mill in Iserlohn that was powered by the Baarbach stream. Around the rolling mill, foundries and other production facilities sprang up, manufacturing a wide range of brass goods—from household appliances to tools—which were distributed worldwide throughout the 19th century. After serving as a metal cleaning and metal goods factory in the 20th century, the city of Iserlohn took over the complex in 1980 to ensure its preservation and revitalization as a historically protected ensemble.

Today, the Maste-Barendorf Historic Factory Complex stands as a vibrant center of industrial culture—an artists’ and museum village. The Needle Museum, which will reopen in 2025, sheds light on the history of needle production, while an industrial culture playground offers a hands-on, playful experience of how eye needles are made. The site is enriched by modern art, a participatory garden, and an apiary, as well as by cultural events such as the DrahtSaitenAkt Music Festival and the Barendorf Christmas Festival.

This unique complex represents a significant monument to industrial heritage in Südwestfalen. It is also an integral part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH) and the WasserEisenLand network—Industrial Heritage in Südwestfalen.