Deutsches Polizeimuseum
Police history you can touch, in the old railway station of Salzkotten: uniforms, technology and equipment of the German police across two floors.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The collection dates back to the 1980s: in 1984 police officer Felix Hoffmann began researching the history of the Paderborn police and gathering material. It was first shown publicly in 1987, and the association "Polizeigeschichtliche Sammlung Paderborn" was founded the same year. In 1989 the International Police Association (IPA) handed its uniform collection over to the association. The collection was moved several times until the city of Salzkotten gave the association the old railway station for a symbolic price in 1994.
After renovation work starting in 1995, the association was renamed "Deutsches Polizeimuseum e. V." in 1996, and in summer 1997 the museum opened in the listed railway building. Across two floors it displays exhibits, equipment and technical devices of the German police from the 19th century to today, including uniforms, headgear (also from foreign police forces), teleprinter and radio equipment, vehicles and an original police motorcycle. There is also a model collection, photos, literature and an archive.
Under the motto "Polizei zum Anfassen" (police you can touch), visitors can try out a lot. The building also houses the "Davidwache" bistro, which is rented out for private celebrations. In 2024 the museum received the IPA Friendship Award and the Kulturpreis (cultural award) of Westfalen Weser.
Highlights
- Police history from the 19th century to today across two floors
- Hands-on approach, "Polizei zum Anfassen"
- Original police motorcycle for photos
- Two working teleprinters on the worldwide i-Telex network
- Uniforms and headgear from Germany and abroad
- Museum in the listed old railway station of Salzkotten
Permanent exhibition
- Deutsche Polizeigeschichte – Uniforms, equipment, radio and teleprinter technology, vehicles, models, photos and documents of the German police from the 19th century to today across two floors. Two working teleprinters are connected to the worldwide i-Telex network and exchange messages with other museums and stations as far away as Australia and America.
- Founded
- 1997
- Operated by
- Deutsches Polizeimuseum e. V.
- Director
- Oliver Topp (Vorsitzender)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Children |
| Children & teens | €2Children up to 6 years old enter free. |
| Groups | –Guided tour flat rate of €10, if the group's admission fees come to less than that. |
| Children's birthday party (approx. 1.5–2 hours, for children aged 4 to 12) | €6admission per person; drinks €1 per 0.2 l |
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide: not available
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties for ages 4 to 12 with a museum tour, trying out police technical devices, a children's police ID card and a fingerprint card. Age-appropriate tours for children's groups and school classes. A coloring book for children is available.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the old railway station of Salzkotten at Otto-Mauel-Platz 1, 33154 Salzkotten.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Bistro "Davidwache" in the museum.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The "Davidwache" bistro in the museum is rented out for private occasions such as birthdays, company parties, anniversaries and readings (rent €200; drinks through the association, staff for an extra fee).
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group tours, including coffee and cake, tours for children's groups from about age 3–4, and tours for school classes of all ages, by advance booking. Visitors can have their photo taken on a police motorcycle. |
