Werburg-Museum Spenge

About the museum

The Werburg in Spenge is a former moated castle whose founding is not documented. The "Wederborch" is first mentioned in 1468; at that time it belonged to the Ledebur family, later, through marriage, to the Ketteler family, and from 1634 to the von Münch family, who later appeared as von dem Bussche Münch. During the Thirty Years' War, Spanish troops and imperial dragoons caused considerable damage. In 1941 the last owner sold the complex to the then municipality of Spenge; the gatehouse also came into municipal hands in 1991.

The Verein Werburg Spenge e. V. began its work in October 2000 to revive the dilapidated complex. After the gatehouse was renovated, the idea of a children's and family museum in the manor house emerged. From 2008 to 2014 the building was thoroughly renovated; in June 2016 the Werburg-Museum opened. Since then the association has run it on a voluntary basis on behalf of the city; in 2018 the barn was fitted out for additional museum-education offerings.

The permanent exhibition sends visitors back about 350 years with a researcher's pass. It is based on archaeological finds from around the castle, which tell of the work, struggles and play of its former residents. In a re-created excavation and in the research lab, visitors can try out archaeology themselves. The manor house, gatehouse, barn and part of the moat together form the Werburg ensemble.

Highlights

• Manor house of the moated castle with a permanent exhibition on the castle's history
• Re-created excavation and research lab to try out
• Archaeological finds from the Werburg
• Digital rally with a smartphone or tablet
• Café in the manor house with a courtyard

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung im Herrenhaus der Werburg – A journey through roughly 350 years of castle history, with archaeological finds, a re-created excavation and a research lab.

Founded

2016

Operated by

Werburg Spenge e. V. (im Auftrag der Stadt Spenge)

Director

Jan-Nikolas Döllinger

Admission & discounts

Members of the Förderverein (friends' association) of the NRW-Stiftung have free admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• 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 museum is housed in historic rooms into which no elevator can be installed; it is only partially accessible for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility. Please inquire in advance about exact accessibility. Inclusive tours with many hand specimens are possible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The house sees itself as a children's and family museum: visitors receive a researcher's pass and can try out crossbow shooting and a re-created excavation. Children's birthday parties (from age 5 or 8, depending on the program) are possible on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings; they also serve as daycare (Kita) offerings.

Getting there & parking

The castle grounds themselves are not open to vehicles.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café in the manor house with homemade cakes and tarts; in good weather tables are set up in the courtyard. It has the same opening hours as the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Inquiries about events and catering in the café by phone at 05225 790060 or by email at tietze@werburg-spenge.de.

Plan your visit