Erzbischöfliches Diözesanmuseum Paderborn

About the museum

The Archiepiscopal Diocesan Museum Paderborn was founded in 1853 and is considered the oldest institution of its kind in the German-speaking world. It was meant to protect church artworks no longer in use from sale and decay. Initially housed in the former chapter house of the Busdorf Church, the collection grew appreciably only under Alois Fuchs, who served as the actual founding director from 1911; in 1912 it moved into rooms in the new vicariate general.

Because space soon ran out, the archdiocese decided in 1967 on a new building on a site between the cathedral and the market square that had been vacant since the war. The competition was won by the Cologne architect Gottfried Böhm, later a Pritzker Prize laureate. His building with stepped lead facades and an open exhibition space rising over twelve levels opened in May 1975; since then the cathedral treasury has also been on view in the medieval vaulted cellars beneath the museum, remains of Bishop Meinwerk's palace.

Because the building fell short in terms of conservation, it was converted according to plans by Michael Brawne and reopened in 1993. Since then the museum has also shown major international exhibitions, for example in 1999 on the Carolingian era. The collection comprises over 12,000 objects with a focus on sculpture from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, especially depictions of Mary, along with painting, textiles, manuscripts and goldsmith work. Since October 2025 the museum has presented its holdings anew under the title "Die Hände zum Himmel. Gruß – Geste – Gebet" (Hands to Heaven. Greeting – Gesture – Prayer).

Highlights

• Imad Madonna from the 11th century
• Shrine of Saint Liborius in the cathedral treasury
• Reliquary busts of Emperor Henry II and Empress Kunigunde
• Romanesque portable altar of Paderborn Cathedral
• Museum building by Gottfried Böhm (1975) with stepped lead facades

Permanent exhibitions

• Die Hände zum Himmel. Gruß – Geste – Gebet – New collection presentation in five sections: sculptures, paintings, prints, book art and treasury art from about 1,000 years, read through gestures and body postures – with many works shown for the first time.
• Domschatzkammer – In the medieval vaulted cellar beneath the museum: the treasury of Paderborn Cathedral with goldsmith works, crosiers and the shrine of Saint Liborius.

Founded

1853

Operated by

Erzbistum Paderborn

Director

Holger Kempkens

Admission & discounts

Participation in public guided tours is included in the admission. Members of religious orders have free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 not accessible: the exhibition levels are connected by stairs, and only some levels can be reached by elevator. The museum and the archdiocese are working on a solution.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family tours with playful elements and flashlight tours through the treasury (with a creative part on request). Children's birthday parties for ages 6 to 11 (2 hours, max. 9 children, €70) with themes such as a detective search for a stolen chalice, angels or mythical creatures; cake and drinks may be brought along.

Getting there & parking

Access by car via the inner ring road and Marienstraße; Giersstraße, Heiersstraße and Domplatz are closed on market days (Wed and Sat) until at least 15:00. Boarding, alighting and turning at the museum is permitted.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The "Café am Museum" is integrated into the museum building, with access from the market square.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit