Gerichtsmuseum Bad Fredeburg

About the museum

On just over 300 square meters in the attic of the local court building in Bad Fredeburg, the museum shows what jurisdiction and everyday judicial work once involved. The building was constructed in 1846 as a council and school house; the local court has been based there since 1889. Local jurisdiction goes back much further: as early as 1301 a document mentions a Markenrichter (mark judge).

The operator is the Verein Gerichtsmuseum Bad Fredeburg e. V. (registered association), founded in April 2002, which looks after the setup and running of the display. The rooms are divided into several areas: reconstructed historical court sites, from the Vehme court (Femegericht) of the late Middle Ages to a Prussian court around 1800; a prison cell with original fittings; offices and chanceries of local courts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries; and a historical court library.

A further area is devoted to special topics in legal history, namely the witch trials in the Duchy of Westphalia and the justice system under National Socialism. The museum also works with schools and offers guided tours for groups.

Highlights

• Reconstructed court sites, from the Vehme court to the Prussian judge's bench
• Prison cell with original fittings
• Official rooms, chancery and land registry office from the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Historical court library
• Witch persecution in the Duchy of Westphalia and justice under National Socialism

Permanent exhibitions

• Historische Strafjustiz – A prison cell with original fittings shows what detention and imprisonment were like in the past.
• Arbeitswelt der Justiz – Office, court clerk's room, land registry office and court bailiff's office give insight into everyday court life of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Sonderfälle der Justizgeschichte – This area covers the witch persecutions in the Duchy of Westphalia and the justice system under National Socialism.

Operated by

Gerichtsmuseum Bad Fredeburg e. V.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The tour is free; the association welcomes donations after the visit.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum rooms are on the top floor of the local court and can only be reached by stairs; there is no elevator.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The meeting point for tours is always in front of the building at Im Ohle 6.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit