Westfälisches Karnevalsmuseum

About the museum

The Westfälisches Karnevalsmuseum is located in the Teufelsturm (Devil's Tower), one of the defensive towers of Menden's town fortifications. After the old fortifications were destroyed in 1344, the Archbishop of Cologne had the town surrounded by a wall and ten towers. Members of the Mendener carnival society Kornblumenblau restored the tower and the adjoining residential house from 1978 to 1981, in more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work. Since 1981 it has housed the "Heim der Westfälischen Fastnacht" (Home of Westphalian Fastnacht); in 1986 the tower was listed as a historic monument.

The operator is the Stiftung Teufelsturm, supported by the City of Menden, the Bund Westfälischer Karneval and the carnival society. The house is also an archive and documentation center for Westphalian carnival. Because the collections threatened to overwhelm the tower, it was redesigned in 2006 and equipped with modern media technology.

On four levels, the exhibition traces the history of Fastnacht in Westphalia since the 16th century, from early begging processions (Heischeumzüge) and masked balls to hall carnival. A video tour featuring the characters "Dr. Unwuisserige" and "Hoppeditz" explains the background, and separate areas are devoted to medals, dance guards and parades. Under the tower's peak, visitors experience carnival up close with costumes, Büttenreden (carnival speeches) and a multimedia show.

Highlights

• Medieval city tower with an exhibition on four levels
• History of Westphalian Fastnacht since the 16th century
• Collection of medals, costumes, fool's caps and programs
• Video tour with Dr. Unwuisserige and Hoppeditz
• Multimedia show under the tower's peak

Permanent exhibition

• Geschichte der Westfälischen Fastnacht – Permanent exhibition on four tower levels covering customs, medals, dance guards and parades, with a video tour and multimedia show.

Founded

1981

Operated by

Stiftung Teufelsturm – Heim der Westfälischen Fastnacht

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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

Due to the historic building fabric, the Teufelsturm is not barrier-free.

Kids & families

The exhibition is meant to be informative and entertaining for young and old fools alike.

Getting there & parking

The Teufelsturm is in the old town of Menden, along the town wall.

Amenities & dining

The tower has a tavern room serving draft Pilsner and other drinks during opening hours.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

Up to 70 guests.

The tavern room can be rented for private celebrations (50 to 70 people, depending on seating). Inquiries go through the office of the carnival society Kornblumenblau.

Plan your visit