Weserrenaissance-Museum

About the museum

The Weserrenaissance-Museum is housed in Schloss Brake on the edge of Lemgo. The moated complex stands on the foundations of a large medieval castle and, starting in 1584 under Count Simon VI of Lippe, was transformed into a Renaissance residence. The builder worked as a diplomat and art agent for Emperor Rudolf II, collected paintings and books, and used the tall castle tower for observing the sky.

In the 19th century the castle lost its west wing, the furnishings were sold, and a brewery was set up in the east wing. From 1932 the building served as the administrative seat of the district of Lemgo, and in 1973 it passed to the Landesverband Lippe. The museum was founded in one part of the castle in 1986; it is run by the Landesverband Lippe, supported by the Old Hanseatic City of Lemgo and the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe.

The permanent exhibition gives an overview of the cultural history of the 16th and early 17th centuries in the Weser region. On display are objects from architecture, painting, graphic art, furniture making, festive culture, table decoration, religion, science, and the economy. Staged rooms such as an alchemist's laboratory and a cabinet of curiosities illustrate the beginnings of the natural sciences. Following a renovation, the castle also offers event rooms for concerts, theater, and special exhibitions.

Highlights

• Moated castle with a tower visible from afar
• Alchemist's laboratory in the castle tower
• Cabinet of curiosities
• Renaissance costumes on interactive tours
• Free admission for children and young people up to age 18

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung zur Weserrenaissance – Overview of the art, daily life, and science of the 16th and early 17th centuries with furniture, paintings, graphic art, and table culture. An alchemist's laboratory and a cabinet of curiosities show the early days of the natural sciences.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Landesverband Lippe

Director

Silvia Herrmann (Museumsleiterin)

Admission & discounts

School classes and accompanying teachers and educators free. Members of the friends' association and ICOM members free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• 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

All museum rooms except the former castle chapel and the tower are accessible to wheelchair users. Two accessible parking spaces in the castle courtyard. Tours for blind visitors are offered.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive tours for families on select Sundays (registration required), a free DiMiDo holiday program in the summer holidays for children aged 6 and over, and children's birthday parties (1 to 2 hours, €50–90) with dressing up in Renaissance costumes, treasure hunts, or making gold in the lab.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

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

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

FreiRaum: foyer and two event rooms with a combined area of about 400 m², for concerts, theater, cabaret, and children's events, among others; terms of use and additional costs on the website.

Plan your visit