Haus Rüschhaus

About the museum

The Westphalian Baroque architect Johann Conrad Schlaun built Haus Rüschhaus between 1745 and 1748 as his own country residence outside the gates of Münster. He combined the form of a Münsterland farmhouse with a threshing floor with that of an elegant manor house, and laid out a Baroque garden.

In 1825 the Droste zu Hülshoff family acquired the estate. After her father's death, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff moved here from Burg Hülshoff in 1826 with her mother and sister. For around twenty years she lived in a few small rooms on the mezzanine floor, including her study, which she called the “Schneckenhäuschen” (little snail shell). During this time she wrote a large part of her work, such as the novella “Die Judenbuche” (The Jew's Beech).

Today the house belongs to the NRW-Stiftung and is run by the Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff-Stiftung, which also operates Burg Hülshoff as a literature center. The garden was reconstructed as a Baroque garden according to Schlaun's plans, although in Droste's time it was more of a kitchen garden.

After conversion and redesign, the museum reopened on July 1, 2026 with the permanent exhibition “Droste Welten: Rüschhaus”. It links the historic living quarters with the poet's texts and contemporary perspectives on nature, retreat and women's writing in the 19th century; the garden also serves as a hands-on space for experiencing nature.

Highlights

• Annette von Droste-Hülshoff's historic living quarters
• Study known as the “Schneckenhäuschen”
• Historic kitchen and Italian Room
• Reconstructed Baroque garden based on Schlaun's plans (free admission)
• New permanent exhibition “Droste Welten: Rüschhaus” since July 2026

Permanent exhibitions

• Droste Welten: Rüschhaus – The new permanent exhibition connects the poet's historic living quarters with her texts and present-day perspectives on nature, freedom, retreat and writing as a woman.

Operated by

Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff-Stiftung (Burg Hülshoff – Center for Literature)

Admission & discounts

Admission to the grounds is free. Droste-Pass holders free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

Only the first floor is accessible; the threshing floor can only be reached via a step. Virtual VR tours can be booked. Café interior accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Every 2nd Sunday of the month "Kinder im Museum" (Kids in the Museum, programs of 1–2 hours) and hands-on garden at Rüschhaus (11:00–16:00); family tour along the Lyrikweg (poetry trail). Free admission up to age 18.

Getting there & parking

By car toward Steinfurt, exit Münster-Nienberge/Havixbeck. By bike about 20–30 min. from Münster, 35–40 min. from Havixbeck (Burg Hülshoff).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Café Schneckenhäuschen with a terrace facing the Baroque garden (Fri–Sun 11:00–17:00, winter break same as the museum).

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit