Bibelmuseum Münster

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The Bibelmuseum opened in Münster on March 8, 1979. It was initiated by the theologian Kurt Aland, founder of the Institut für Neutestamentliche Textforschung (INTF, Institute for New Testament Textual Research), and Bishop Hermann Kunst; Federal President Walter Scheel attended the opening. To this day the museum is affiliated with the INTF at the University of Münster, which produces the scholarly editions of the Greek New Testament.

The exhibition was initially housed in the Georgskommende. At the end of 2006 the museum moved to the Pferdegasse, opposite the LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur. Barbara Aland took over as director in 1983, and Holger Strutwolf has headed the museum since 2004.

A major addition came in 2010 with Walter Remy's collection of about 650 Bibles in ancient languages, considered the largest private collection of its kind in Europe. To present these holdings properly, the museum underwent a thorough renovation from 2014 and its displays were redesigned; after technical delays it reopened in December 2019.

In about 160 square meters, long display cases show some 1,500 objects – from ancient papyrus fragments and Greek manuscripts to early printed Bibles and Bible illustrations. Tablets and digital offerings complement the tour.

Highlights

• Early papyrus fragments and Greek manuscripts of the New Testament
• Luther Bible with a handwritten dedication by Martin Luther
• Remy collection of about 650 Bibles in ancient languages
• Some 1,500 exhibits on the transmission of the Bible
• Free admission, drop-in guided tour on Sundays

Permanent exhibitions

• Die Bibel und ihre Überlieferung – Through manuscripts, printed editions and illustrations, the collection shows how the biblical text was passed down and spread over the centuries.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Universität Münster (Institut für Neutestamentliche Textforschung)

Director

Prof. Dr. Holger Strutwolf

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; the drop-in Sunday tour is also free and requires no registration.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Elevator to the third floor – please mention this when ringing the bell. One accessible parking space in the inner courtyard with advance notice.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Dedicated area "Das Museum für Kinder" with workshops (e.g. printing on the printing press, writing on papyrus, designing a Bible cover), holiday program and seasonal children's workshops; children's birthdays with a workshop by arrangement. Registration by email or phone.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with catalogs and publications.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit