Burghofmuseum Soest

About the museum

Soest's city history collection has been housed in the Burghof since 1909, a stately residence of green sandstone built in the mid-16th century in the Renaissance style. The builders were members of the merchant and mayor family von Dael; later the estate was associated with the von Fürstenberg family. Where the name "Burghof" comes from has still not been clearly established – a castle is not documented at this location.

The museum also includes the neighboring Romanesque House from the late 12th century, a tower-like residential building that is among the oldest surviving residential houses in the region. The magnificent knights' hall (Rittersaal) in the main building today serves as the city's festive event space and as a wedding room.

In the mid-2000s, the house was given a new content focus. Over roughly 700 square meters, five departments have since led visitors through prehistory and early history, the Middle Ages with the heyday of the Hanseatic city and the Soest Feud, the early modern period with the Reformation and Prussian times, as well as everyday life and church art. The show is complemented by prints by Heinrich Aldegrever and a garden with sculptures, archaeological finds, and an air-raid trench from the Second World War.

Highlights

• Romanesque House from the late 12th century
• Historic knights' hall in the Renaissance main building
• Early medieval disc brooch with runic inscription
• Copper engravings by Heinrich Aldegrever
• Museum garden with an air-raid trench from 1943

Permanent exhibitions

• Stadtgeschichte Soest – Five departments span the arc from Neolithic settlement traces via the Hanseatic period and the Soest Feud to the Prussian era; also everyday culture and sacred art.

Founded

1909

Operated by

Stadt Soest

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission; a fee is charged only for the audio guide.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Dedicated children's audio guide with child-friendly explanations of the exhibits; special children's tour.

Getting there & parking

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

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The historic knights' hall is used for city events and serves as a venue for civil weddings.

Plan your visit