Rotkreuz-Museum Westfalen-Lippe

State museum of the DRK Westfalen-Lippe in Schlangen, run by volunteers, on the history of the Red Cross, with free admission.

Opening hoursFree admission

Website Directions

About the museum

The foundation was laid by the former Red Cross volunteer Jürgen Reuter from Bad Lippspringe, who from 1997 systematically collected objects bearing the Red Cross emblem, including souvenirs from his own missions abroad. On May 8, 1997, a small exhibition opened in the basement of his private home; from 2000 the collection moved to the converted attic with about 100 square meters.

In 2007 the association "Rotkreuzgeschichtliche Sammlung in Westfalen-Lippe – Museum –" was founded and became a corporate member of the DRK state association. In 2009 the municipality of Schlangen made the house at Parkstraße 18 available; after conversion and renovation by the volunteer team, the museum moved in 2012 and was officially opened in March 2013. The usage agreement has been extended to 2035.

Since 2018 the house has been recognized as the state museum of the DRK state association Westfalen-Lippe. On around 200 square meters it shows exhibits on national and international Red Cross work, for example on blood donation, disaster relief, medical service, and training, as well as uniforms, medals, posters, postcards, and model vehicles. An archive of photos and documents complements the collection.

Highlights

Around 200 square meters of exhibition on Red Cross history
Historical work clothing and uniforms from West and East Germany
Medical devices, first aid kits, and model vehicles
Archive with photos, posters, and documents

Permanent exhibitions

Geschichte des Roten Kreuzes – Exhibits on the origins and tasks of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, from blood donation and disaster relief to training.

Founded: 1997
Operated by: Rotkreuzgeschichtliche Sammlung in Westfalen-Lippe e.V.
Director: Manfred Schäfer