Westpreußisches Landesmuseum
State museum on the history and culture of West Prussia in the former Franciscan monastery in Warendorf – with a focus on German-Polish encounters.
About the museum
The Westpreußisches Landesmuseum came about against the background of the sponsorship that the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe took on in 1960 for the expelled West Prussians. It opened in 1975 in the Drostenhof in Münster-Wolbeck; at first it was aimed mainly at people who had to leave the region at the end of the Second World War.
In December 2014 the museum moved into the former Franciscan monastery on the edge of Warendorf's old town. The listed building dates back to the 17th century; during the renovation many traces of monastic life remained visible, so that the building itself is part of the exhibition.
Today the museum sees itself as the central institution for the study and communication of the cultural region of West Prussia for a broad audience interested in history. The permanent exhibition extends from the Teutonic Order through Hanseatic cities such as Danzig and Elbing to flight and expulsion. Temporary exhibitions are often created with Polish partners, and the museum maintains a branch in Krokowa near Gdańsk. The museum also includes a specialist library, an archive, and a cultural department.
Highlights
- Former Franciscan monastery with visible traces of monastic life
- Historical route from the Teutonic Order to the postwar period
- Danzig Room
- Amber in science and art
- Works by the painter Bruno Krauskopf
- Free admission on Sundays
Permanent exhibitions
- Begegnungen mit einer deutsch-polnischen Kulturlandschaft – A tour through the history of West Prussia from the Teutonic Order through Baltic Sea trade to war, flight, and expulsion, supplemented by themed rooms on Danzig and amber, among others.
- Founded
- 1975
- Operated by
- Kulturstiftung Westpreußen
- Director
- Martin Koschny (kommissarisch)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50 |
| Groups | –Group tour 60 min. €30, 90 min. €45; in English or Polish €35 and €52.50, respectively. |
| Families | €7 |
Free admission: every Sunday
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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
Entrance via ramp, spacious elevator reachable at ground level, wheelchair-accessible restroom. Seating in all exhibition areas, folding stools available. Contact for people with hearing impairments by fax or email.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €7 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Kids’ birthday parties
Explorer backpack "West Prussia in 10 Objects" for children aged 7 to 11, digital monastery rally via the Biparcours app (ages 10–16). Programs for children, school classes, and children's birthday parties, such as detective games or creative workshops.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bahnhof Warendorf
Regional train RB 67 "Der Warendorfer" from Münster Hbf or Bielefeld Hbf to Warendorf station; bus line R11 from Münster Hbf to Warendorf station.
By car
Accessible parking space right at the museum.
- Accessible parking
By car via the A1/A43 (Münster-Süd interchange) and B 51, via the A2 (Rheda-Wiedenbrück exit) and B 64, or from Beckum via the B 475. Warendorf is on the R1/D3 cycle route and the Emsradweg.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Lockers
Coat check lockers in the basement.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public guided tours of the permanent exhibition on selected Sundays at 11:00 without registration (€2.50 per person). Group tours (60 or 90 min.) also in English or Polish by arrangement. |
