Mühlenhof-Freilichtmuseum Münster

About the museum

The idea for an open-air museum in Münster came from Theo Breider, who in the late 1950s rallied supporters to save rural buildings. The first and still defining building is an 18th-century post mill that was dismantled in the Emsland region and faithfully re-erected on the western edge of Münster. Its inauguration on September 23, 1961, in front of several thousand guests, is regarded as the museum's founding moment. Since 1963 the nonprofit association "De Bockwindmüel" has run the museum.

Over the following decades the grounds in the recreation area by the Aasee, right next to the Allwetterzoo and the LWL-Museum für Naturkunde, grew to about five hectares. Today there are some 30 buildings from four centuries – mostly original structures dismantled at their former sites and rebuilt here, supplemented by a few reconstructions. They include the moated farmstead (Gräftenhof) of 1720, a village school, a chapel, workshops such as a smithy and a carpenter's shop, the Webers Kotten cottage with exhibition rooms, and farm gardens; a fire station was added in 2019.

The museum shows how people in the Münsterland and Emsland used to live and work. It is largely run by volunteers and funded through admission, food service, guided tours and donations. Craft demonstrations such as spinning, weaving and bobbin lacemaking, markets, fairy-tale tours, escape rooms and blacksmithing courses bring the site to life.

Highlights

• 18th-century post mill from the Emsland as the museum's landmark
• Moated farmstead of 1720 with threshing hall (Deele), open-hearth kitchen (Flettküche) and raised chamber (Upkammer)
• Some 30 historic buildings, including a village school, chapel and smithy
• Craft demonstrations such as spinning, weaving and bobbin lacemaking
• Fairy-tale tours, escape rooms and blacksmithing courses

Founded

1961

Operated by

De Bockwindmüel e. V.

Admission & discounts

Prices valid until October 31, 2026. From November 1, 2026: adults €9.50, children aged 6–16 and concessions €5.50, family day ticket €22, adults in groups €8.50. Card payment only at the museum ticket desk. Members of the supporting association (annual fee from €50) are admitted free.

Accessibility

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

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties April–October for ages 5 and up (1.5–2 hours, up to 12 children; themes: farm, pirate treasure hunt, country school), fairy-tale tours, Kiepenkerl Olympics, and escape rooms. Picnics on the grounds are possible.

Getting there & parking

GPS: Theo-Breider-Weg 1. By bike about 15 minutes from the city center via the Aasee north shore bike path, parking spots at the entrance; on foot about 30 minutes from the city center or 45 minutes from the main train station. “Bus&Boot” combination ticket available.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Museum café “Dorfkrug” with terrace (Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00, no table reservations). Dogs on a leash are allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 230 guests.

Historic moated farmstead of 1720 (threshing hall, open-hearth kitchen, raised chamber) for 20 to 230 people; conferences for up to 200 people, company outings with a Kiepenkerl (traditional Westphalian peddler) tour and Westphalian buffet. Group packages for 20 or more people through the in-house caterer. Civil wedding ceremonies on set dates (allocated by the Münster registry office).

Plan your visit