Diözesanmuseum und Domschatzkammer Osnabrück

About the museum

Bishop Wilhelm Berning founded the diocesan museum in 1918 in order to preserve in an orderly way, and show to the public, works of church art from the cathedral and the parishes of the diocese that were no longer needed for worship.

Today the museum stands right next to St. Peter's Cathedral in downtown Osnabrück; it is entered through the Forum am Dom, a church meeting and information center with a café. The cathedral treasury is also housed on roughly 500 square meters. Individual pieces from it continue to be used at services in the cathedral. In 2018, the museum received the museum quality seal of the Museumsverband Niedersachsen und Bremen.

The collection spans roughly twelve centuries of Christian culture in the bishop's city. The most important object is the jewel-studded chapter cross from the early 11th century, which for centuries was used at the installation of bishops. Also on display are an early medieval dove brooch, the chasuble of Bishop Benno II made of Byzantine silk, late medieval sculptures by the so-called Master of Osnabrück, reliquaries, chalices, manuscripts, and paintings. Temporary exhibitions and lecture series complement the permanent display.

Highlights

• Chapter cross from the early 11th century, set with gemstones and pearls
• Chasuble of Bishop Benno II made of Byzantine silk
• Dove brooch from the early 9th century
• Sculptures from the workshop of the Master of Osnabrück
• Free audio guide via QR code, also in Easy Language

Permanent exhibitions

• Domschatzkammer und Sammlung kirchlicher Kunst – Liturgical treasures, sculptures, textiles, and paintings from the cathedral and the Diocese of Osnabrück from the early Middle Ages to the present, including the chapter cross.

Founded

1918

Operated by

Bistum Osnabrück

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free for everyone until further notice.

Accessibility

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

The museum is only partially accessible. An elevator (door width 90 cm) outside the exhibition rooms leads to the upper floor; a wheelchair-accessible restroom in the basement can be reached by elevator. Wheelchairs are provided on request. The audio guide is also available in Easy Language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Tours, workshops, and creative activities for children can be booked on request.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located directly next to St. Peter's Cathedral; access through the Forum am Dom.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café in the Forum am Dom, through which the museum is entered.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit