Waschmittelmuseum Genthin: Von duftend sauberer Wäsche

## Short Description

A hands-on industrial history experience: In the former bathhouse of the Henkel factory in Genthin, the Waschmittelmuseum Genthin: Von duftend sauberer Wäsche tells the story of world-famous brands.

## Description

Persil, Ata, or Spee – who doesn’t know these names? They bring to mind household cleanliness. But few know they are closely linked to Genthin’s industrial history. The Waschmittelmuseum Genthin: Von duftend sauberer Wäsche tells the story of the rise and fall of detergent production on the banks of the Elbe-Havel Canal. It is housed in the former bathhouse of the Henkel factory, opened in 1921 in Genthin. The original stained glass windows in the octagonal brick building are worth seeing.

If you want to know how from simple soap modern detergents were developed, you’ll find the answers here. The museum highlights the development from early factory life through the GDR period to privatization after 1990 and the end in 2009. Original equipment, photos, and documents explain production methods and product ideas. A highlight of the post-war era was the 1968 development of Spee, the most important detergent of the GDR. It was one of the few products later able to compete on the West German market.

## Parking Information

Free parking is available around the Stadtkulturhaus Genthin next to the Waschmittelmuseum.

## Directions

In Genthin, turn from the B1 onto the B107, then after crossing the Elbe-Havel Canal immediately turn onto Ziegeleistraße. You will reach the Waschmittelmuseum after about one kilometer.

## Public Transportation

From Genthin station it’s about 1.7 kilometers on foot via Bahnhof-, Seminar-, Geschwister-Scholl-, and Martha-Brautzsch-Strasse. You can also take a bus from the station to "Genthin, Zentrale Haltestelle." From there it’s about 750 meters on foot via Geschwister-Scholl- and Martha-Brautzsch-Strasse to the museum.

## Fees

Admission is free.