Museum für russlanddeutsche Kulturgeschichte

Current exhibitions

About the museum

In the mid-1990s, hundreds of thousands of Russian Germans came to Germany each year as late repatriates (Spätaussiedler). Against this backdrop, Detmold teacher Otto Hertel founded a museum association in 1996 and opened a first, still small exhibition in March of the same year. The aim was a place of encounter that would make the history of the newcomers visible.

Under Katharina Neufeld, who took over as director in 1999, the collection grew steadily. In 2011, the museum moved into a converted building on Georgstraße, where the first large permanent exhibition was created. Since 2016, the museum has been directed by Kornelius Ens; it now receives permanent funding from the federal and state governments and works closely with the Kulturreferat für Russlanddeutsche (cultural office for Russian Germans).

In 2022, the permanent exhibition was completely redesigned under the title “Ausgepackt – einwandern, auswandern, ankommen” (Unpacked – immigrating, emigrating, arriving). Across around 500 square meters, it tells the story from the German colonies in the Tsarist Empire through deportation and forced labor in the Soviet Union to resettlement in Germany – with eyewitness accounts, media stations and hands-on activities. The collection includes everyday objects, clothing, letters, diaries as well as paintings and sculptures, mostly from the 20th century. The museum also offers an escape game, research advice and conferences.

Highlights

• Redesigned permanent exhibition “Ausgepackt” on two floors
• Harmonium more than 100 years old that visitors may play themselves
• Eyewitness accounts and multimedia reconstructions
• Works by the sculptor Jakob Wedel
• Escape game “Lost Roots” in the museum

Permanent exhibitions

• Ausgepackt – einwandern, auswandern, ankommen – Redesigned in 2022, the permanent exhibition traces around 250 years of Russian-German history on two floors, using it as an example of migration and integration.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Museumsverein für russlanddeutsche Kultur und Volkskunde e. V.

Director

Kornelius Ens

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free public guided tour on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 14:00 (registration required)

Escape game “Lost Roots” bookable separately via lostroots.de.

Accessibility

• 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: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the museum, entrance and rooms have few barriers; elevator and wheelchair-accessible restroom available.

Kids & families

The escape game “Lost Roots” is recommended for ages 14 and up when accompanied by adults, and for ages 16 and up without.

Getting there & parking

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

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 30 guests.

Corporate and Christmas parties combined with the escape game: room for up to 30 people with a projector for a €50 surcharge; can be combined with museum tours.

Plan your visit