Miele originally produced cream separators and butter churns before pivoting to washing machines in 1901.
The collection includes a 1912 Miele car, one of the few surviving examples from the company's brief period of automobile production.
The museum documents how the introduction of electric motors fundamentally changed the social structure of middle-class household management in the early 20th century.
The archives include original patent documents and industrial designs that influenced the evolution of modern home design.
Exhibits feature early prototypes of the 'Wonderwasher,' an electric-powered machine that replaced hand-cranked laundry methods.
The Miele Museum is located at the company's global headquarters in Gütersloh, documenting over 125 years of German industrial and domestic history. The exhibition spans 1,500 square meters, showcasing the evolution of home appliances from early butter churns to modern smart-home technology. Visitors can view a diverse collection of vintage washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and kitchen appliances. The museum also highlights the history of Miele's ventures into motorized transport, including rare early automobiles and motorcycles. Displays are arranged chronologically to demonstrate how household tasks transitioned from manual labor to automation. The site remains a core part of the active Miele factory campus, emphasizing the company's legacy of 'Immer Besser' (Forever Better).
The restored, gleaming vintage automobiles and motorcycles displayed near the entrance.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Miele factory park area.
Check the official website ahead of time to see if guided tour slots are available for a deeper technical dive.
Look for the display detailing the transition from wooden laundry tubs to enameled metal drums.
Do not attempt to walk through the restricted manufacturing or office areas of the Miele campus without authorization.
Closed on weekends and public holidays; check for temporary closures due to corporate events.
