Use Instead of Own
Last updated: 10.06.2026
The Open Workshop at Arrenberg
Build new things yourself, recycle old items instead of throwing them away, share tools, exchange experiences, and learn from one another: At the Arrenberg-Werkstatt, almost anything is possible, neighbors!
We offer opportunities for carpentry, welding, and nearly all other wood and metalwork; for sewing and tailoring in the textile workshop; for everything related to bicycles at “Pump my Bike,” for electrical repairs, and 3D printing. We share spaces, knowledge, tools, and materials; we help one another, save money, and conserve valuable resources. On top of all the practical benefits, there’s plenty of fun to be had! We also organize workshops, events, and initiatives for the common good—for professionals and amateurs, children and seniors alike: Everyone is equally welcome!
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Here's how it works
The Principle of the Arrenbergstatt
Anton comes to the Arrenbergstatt regularly to sew. Here, he has access to machines, materials, and support from his neighbors.
Berta wants to build a cabinet for her bathroom, but she doesn't have enough space or tools at home. At the Arrenberg Werkstatt, she has everything she needs, plus friendly people and delicious coffee.
Cemal is a craftsman, but he's now retired. At the Arrenbergstatt, he shares his knowledge, helps others with their projects, and enjoys the sense of community.
A plastic part on Dora's vacuum cleaner broke off. Since she couldn't find a replacement part anywhere, she recreated it using the 3D printer at the Arrenberg workshop.
Emil learned how to repair his bike at the Arrenberg workshop. Now he wants to build a shack with his gang and is borrowing the right tools here.
Friedrich thinks that far too much is thrown away. As a skilled handyman, he often stops by the Arrenberg workshop to volunteer his time fixing broken items.
Inventory List
Our Online Tool Catalog
We maintain a digital online inventory list. Using the lending platform Myturn.com, we are gradually listing all the equipment and materials available in the workshop. We don’t aim to stock the best or most expensive version of every piece of equipment. Rather, the vast majority of our equipment and tools are in-kind donations that we make available to a larger community of users in the workshop. But we also have, for example, two (!) brand-new 3D printers! Check it out:
Here's how much it costs
Support and Use
The Arrenbergstatt is a non-commercial project of the nonprofit organization Aufbruch am Arrenberg e.V., made possible through funding from the German Postcode Lottery. However, operating the Arrenbergstatt costs money, which is why its use cannot be free of charge.
The following prices serve as a guide for the private use of spaces and tools (as of May 2026):
5 € / day, 15 € / week, 40 € / month, 220 € / year
Fees may be offset by volunteer work (e.g., organizing courses, donating materials and tools, etc.).
Membership in the association is required for independent access to and use of the Arrenbergstatt (including outside of opening hours, 24/7). You can find the membership application at our location, Aufbruch am Arrenberg (Fröbelstr. 1a, 42117 Wuppertal), and hopefully soon on this website.
Supported by:
In cooperation with:
You can find us here
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 142
(in the courtyard; also accessible via Treppenstraße)
42117 Wuppertal
Contact:
Hours of Operation and Office Hours
(As of May 2026)
Wednesday 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Friday 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Coordinator
Related Projects
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Support this project
Used tools, solid wood, and hardware: If you have anything usable to donate, please feel free to contact us by email! Please be so kind as not to leave anything on our doorstep without asking first!
Donate
Project News
Latest News on Arrenbergstatt:
Event
Saturday, June 27 Exclusive Society
On June 27, the workshop will be closed due to an event. A neighbor is celebrating passing his carpentry exam.
Event
Wednesday, July 1 Open Workshop & Repair Café
Every first Wednesday of the month: Repair Café at the Arrenbergstatt.
Every first Wednesday of the month, in addition to our Open Workshop, we offer help so you can help yourself: together, we’ll get it working again! Repair Café at the Arrenbergstatt.
Event
Friday, June 26 Arrenbergstatt @ Maker Faire
3. Maker Faire Wuppertal, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a wide range of activities on all floors of the Central Library.
Arrenbergstatt will be participating in the 3rd Wuppertal Maker Faire at the City Library. Together with Smart Circular Wuppertal, we’ll be showcasing what our workshop has to offer and presenting sma…
Arrenbergstatt will be participating in the 3rd Wuppertal Maker Faire at the City Library. Together with Smart Circular Wuppertal, we’ll be showcasing what our workshop has to offer and presenting small upcycling projects.
https://www.wuppertal.de/microsite/stadtbibliothek/aktuell/meldungen/maker-faire-wuppertal-2026.php
Event
Wednesday, July 8 Open Workshop
Every Wednesday: Coffee, cake, chatting, crafts. Come on by!
Every Wednesday, we meet at the Arrenbergstatt to work in and around the workshop, chat over coffee and cake, take inventory of donated tools, and so on...
Event
Wednesday, August 5 Using the Sewing Machine
How does it work? Sewing Workshop on a Sewing Machine (for Adults)
In a small group, we’ll learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine safely and sew a shoulder bag together. Materials such as fabric, scissors, and sewing machines are provided, but you’re welcome…
In a small group, we’ll learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine safely and sew a shoulder bag together.
Materials such as fabric, scissors, and sewing machines are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own fabric and machine.
This workshop is for adults and lasts a maximum of three hours. Fee: 5€
Register by email at: werkstatt@aufbruch-am-arrenberg.de
Event
Wednesday, July 15 Open Workshop
Every Wednesday: Coffee, cake, chatting, crafts. Come on by!
Every Wednesday, we meet at the Arrenbergstatt to work in and around the workshop, chat over coffee and cake, take inventory of donated tools, and so on...
Media coverage
Student Repair Project
The Wuppertaler Rundschau reports on the WDG-FREIDAY project at the Arrenbergstatt.
Event
Wednesday, July 22 Open Workshop
Every Wednesday: Coffee, cake, chatting, crafts. Come on by!
Every Wednesday, we meet at the Arrenbergstatt to work in and around the workshop, chat over coffee and cake, take inventory of donated tools, and so on...
Event
Wednesday, July 29 Open Workshop
Every Wednesday: coffee, cake, chatting, crafts. Come on by!
Every Wednesday, we meet at the Arrenbergstatt to work in and around the workshop, chat over coffee and cake, take inventory of donated tools, and so on...
Project Timeline
What has happened so far at the Arrenbergstatt:
Media coverage
WZ, June 18, 2026
The Westdeutsche Zeitung reports on an upcycling project by students at the WDG in Arrenbergstatt.
Event
Wednesday, June 17 Open Workshop
Every Wednesday: coffee, cake, chatting, crafts. Come on by!
Every Wednesday, we meet at the Arrenbergstatt to work in and around the workshop, chat over coffee and cake, take inventory of donated tools, and so on...
Event
Wednesday, June 24 Open Workshop
Every Wednesday: coffee, cake, chatting, crafts. Come on by!
Every Wednesday, we meet at the Arrenbergstatt to work in and around the workshop, chat over coffee and cake, take inventory of donated tools, and so on...
Event
Wednesday, June 3 Workshop Meetup #68 & Repair Café
⚒️ Never been to Arrenbergstatt? Then it's about time! Just stop by today!
Open Workshop every Wednesday: coffee, cake, chatting, crafts. Starting now, we’ll also have a Repair Café on the first Wednesday of every month. We look forward to seeing you there!
Event
Wednesday, June 3 Textile Workshop in June
🧷 Broken zipper, pants, or bag? Want to give your favorite piece a makeover? Then head over to the open textile workshop!
We have the equipment and offer guidance to help you help yourself. Come on by!
Project News
Repair and Secondhand Festival
We are planning the next networking meeting for repair initiatives as a large-scale repair and secondhand event.
Dear repair initiatives, activists, and anyone interested, we’re planning the next networking meeting for repair initiatives as a big repair and secondhand event—on Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Hallowe…
Dear repair initiatives, activists, and anyone interested, we’re planning the next networking meeting for repair initiatives as a big repair and secondhand event—on Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Halloween) in Wuppertal.
This time, we want to make the exchange as “hands-on” as possible: spending a whole day repairing together, learning from and with each other—and maybe even attempting to set a repair record along the way. Are you interested?
>> Please let us know via the form if you’re generally interested:
https://nextcloud.cscp.net/nextcloud/index.php/apps/forms/s/pedtsfgipyd3HSy8oyZfZBFa
We’re looking forward to a big repair celebration together!
Project News
Coming Soon: Sewing Class for Kids
At the end of May, Arrenbergstatt is offering a sewing machine class for elementary school children. Stay tuned for more information!
... more coming soon on these channels!
Project News
Welding class on April 18: fully booked
It happened quickly again—the additional session on April 18 at the Arrenbergstatt is also fully booked.
Wolfgang Meyburg has agreed to share his knowledge and experience with anyone interested. On Saturday, April 18, we’ll come together to familiarize ourselves with the basics of various welding techniq…
Wolfgang Meyburg has agreed to share his knowledge and experience with anyone interested.
On Saturday, April 18, we’ll come together to familiarize ourselves with the basics of various welding techniques and deepen our existing knowledge. We’ll make sure to have fun and let our creativity shine. The workshop is open to both beginners and those with prior experience.
Simply send us a binding registration email for this event, and we’ll send you a confirmation once you’ve secured a spot. Feel free to let us know if this date doesn’t work for you—we’ll make sure to notify you first for the next session.
Key details:
Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (approximately), participation fee €59
Registration via: werkstatt@aufbruch-am-arrenberg.de
We look forward to some cheerful sizzling and crackling together!
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