Museum-Schloss Lembeck

About the museum

Lembeck is first mentioned in 1017. A medieval defensive tower dating back to 1170 developed into a fortified house of the lords of Lembeck. After the male line died out in 1526, the estate passed through the heiress to the family von Westerholt, and in 1631 it was sold to the Dutch Westerholt-Hackfurt line. Between 1670 and 1692 it was converted into the present moated castle, one of the largest in the Münsterland. Its present form goes back to Dietrich Conrad Adolf von Westerholt-Hackfurt (died 1702).

The complex lies on two islands and is laid out along an east-west axis of about 500 meters, which is rare in the Baroque. Through the marriage of heiress Maria Josefa to Ferdinand von Merveldt, the castle passed to the von Merveldt family in 1708, who still own it today. It was inhabited until 1960; the castle museum opened as early as 1952.

The castle museum displays swords and armor as well as rooms in the style of the 17th and 18th centuries with furniture, tapestries and wall paintings. On request, the Merveldt Gallery, with works by the painter HH Merveldt (1901–1969), is included in the tour. In the attic of the main building, the Heimatverein Lembeck (local heritage association) has set up a local history museum with around 5,000 exhibits on rural life, agriculture and crafts. In spring, crocuses and daffodils bloom in the castle park, and in May and June around 150 rhododendron species flower.

Highlights

• Moated castle of the 17th century on two islands
• Castle museum with armor and rooms in 17th- and 18th-century style
• Merveldt Gallery with works by HH Merveldt
• Local history museum with around 5,000 exhibits in the attic
• Castle park with around 150 rhododendron species

Permanent exhibitions

• Schlossmuseum – Tour through rooms in 17th- and 18th-century style with armor, furniture and tapestries; optionally with the Merveldt Gallery.
• Heimatmuseum im Dachgeschoss – Tools, implements and household items from agriculture and crafts show the life of rural people in earlier centuries.

Founded

1952

Operated by

Schlossbetrieb Lembeck und Westerwinkel (Familie von Merveldt); Heimatmuseum: Heimatverein Lembeck e.V.

Admission & discounts

Prices for the castle museum include the guided tour and park admission. The local history museum is free but can only be reached through the castle park (park admission). Cash only. Different prices apply for large events. Dogs on a lead are admitted to the park free of charge.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• 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 castle park is barrier-free; the museums are not barrier-free.

Kids & families

• Playground / play area

The castle park has a playground, a barbecue area and a picnic meadow.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café and concept store "Charlottes" directly in front of the castle gates (Wed–Sun); charging station for electric vehicles at the castle.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil weddings in the Merveldt Gallery (up to 50 guests), free ceremonies in the Sternzelt (star tent) in the castle park, and Catholic weddings in the castle chapel St. Blasius (30 to 40 people). Champagne receptions are held at several locations; celebrations in the castle are catered by an outside caterer.

Plan your visit