Image note: you can find this beautiful illustration by the artist Mirko Rathke in the open-air museum’s café.

HOW THINGS USED TO BE:

Founded in 1911, the Diesdorf open-air museum is one of the oldest folk open-air museums in Germany. It impressively documents and presents the changes in the culture and way of life of the people of the Altmark from the 17th century to the present day. Covering an area of about 6 hectares, it comprises more than 20 residential and farm buildings as well as gardens and fields laid out on historical models. Arranged in different farmstead layouts, the buildings give the open-air museum the character of a typical Altmark village. In a very scenic setting, with a nature playground for the little ones, a café and a museum shop, the open-air museum is a great destination for the whole family. The open-air museum is open from 1 April to 31 October: Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays, 10 am – 5 pm. You can find more information at www.freilichtmuseum-diesdorf.de or by calling +49 3902 450. You can reach the museum café and shop, with home-made cakes and gateaux, on +49 3902 939829.