Museum Schloss Moyland

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The site near Bedburg-Hau is documented as a fortified farmstead from 1307 and was expanded into a Gothic castle in the mid-14th century. In 1662 the Brandenburg general Alexander von Spaen acquired it and had it remodeled in Baroque style; later the Prussian royal family used the castle. In 1740 Frederick II and Voltaire met here for the first time.

From 1766 Moyland belonged to the von Steengracht family, who had the exterior remodeled in Neo-Gothic style in 1854–1862 by Cologne Cathedral master builder Ernst Friedrich Zwirner. Toward the end of World War II the castle was damaged and much of its furnishings were lost to looting; afterward it fell into disrepair for decades.

The brothers Hans and Franz Joseph van der Grinten were looking for a permanent home for their extensive art collection. In 1990 the Stiftung Museum Schloss Moyland foundation was established, the castle was elaborately restored and in 1997 it opened as a museum. At its core, with almost 5,000 pieces, is the world's largest holding of works by Joseph Beuys, complemented by art of the 19th and 20th centuries and contemporary art.

The museum also houses the Joseph Beuys Archive with more than 200,000 documents. The historic park with sculptures and gardens is part of the visit and is also open on Mondays.

Highlights

• World's largest collection of works by Joseph Beuys
• Neo-Gothic castle architecture by Ernst Friedrich Zwirner
• Joseph Beuys Archive with more than 200,000 documents
• Historic park with sculptures and gardens
• Lab space on Beuys and National Socialism

Permanent exhibitions

• KOMM RUNTER! Sammlungspräsentation im Untergeschoss – Newly installed presentation of key works from the collection on the castle's lower level.
• Joseph Beuys und der Nationalsozialismus – Ein Laborraum – A critical examination of Beuys's role in the Nazi era and how he dealt with it later.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Stiftung Museum Schloss Moyland

Director

Antje-Britt Mählmann (künstlerische Direktorin)

Admission & discounts

Prices valid since January 1, 2025. Every ticket includes a €2 café voucher (valid on the day of the visit only). Free admission for, among others, members of the friends' association and refugees.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair-accessible entrance, elevator to most floors; north tower and library/Beuys Archive not accessible. Accessible parking spaces right at the entrance, loaner wheelchairs and folding stools, seating in the exhibition.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Family tours (including flashlight tours in the park and interactive Beuys tours), workshops and holiday programs; art studio on the third floor. Adventure area in the park woods with tree houses and a zip line. Children's birthday parties (2 hours). Strollers allowed in the galleries; free admission under 18.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café Castello Moyland (from 11:00, closing between 16:00 and 18:00 depending on the season).

Events & venue rental

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

The event venue and café are marketed by an external operator; civil wedding ceremonies of the municipality of Bedburg-Hau are held in the castle (Zwirnersaal for up to approx. 80 people, according to third-party sources).

Plan your visit