Münster Things to Do

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Someone neglected to tell the architect that castles are supposed to look mean and intimidating. Burg Vischering is a beautiful moated castle in a pleasant park setting. As you stroll around the moat, you see that there is not an ugly angle on this structure. The castle wasn't completely open when we visited, but we were still able to walk across the wooden footbridge, into the courtyard, and up onto the battlements.

I believe there is a museum on the grounds, and some historical artifacts within the castle, so check to see what hours these things are open.

Even if the museum isn't open, it's still a nice park to stroll around, with sculptures placed here and there.

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The Zwinger is a 16th century tower that was once part of the wall that surrounded the city of Munster. The wall is now a pedestrian greenway that encompasses most of the city, but the tower has been some what restored and houses a 'permanent' sculpture installation that evokes the oppressive history of the place. The tower was built as part of the city's fortifications but was used as a prison from the 18th and 19th century. Later it was used by the gestapo for executions. It was a horrible place where torture was common and an air of dread still lingers.

If I recall correctly, admission is free.

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The most recent acquisition of Münster's art scene: The square in front of the Picasso Museum has received a new pavement from stones in different colours which depicts the face of Picasso, including his famous striped sweater. The inauguration happened just when I was there, on September 1, 2010.

It is a bit hard to see from ground level. You get a better idea from the top of the stairs in front of the museum entrance but to really see the picture you'd have to be at a window on the upper floors of the surrounding houses. I have photoshopped one of my photos to give you an idea.

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The so-called "Stadthaus" ("City House") was built next to the old city hall in 1902 - 1907 to accommodate offices of the city administration. While the rest of the building and everything around was destroyed in World War II, the tower survived miraculously and almost without damage.

The tower is a landmark in the heart of the city where Prinzipalmarkt and Ludgeristraße meet. The style happily mixes neo-renaissance and art nouveau elements. ALong Ludgeristraße, one of the main shopping streets, you walk straight towards it.

In 2001 the tower received a new carillon. Every day at 11.00, 15.00 and 19.00 you can listen to its bells.

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Münster has been the seat of a bishop since 792. The cathedral is a huge building that has grown over centuries and styles. After severe damage in World War II it has been rebuilt according to the original shape but simplified in details, as especially the western front shows. Parts of the furnishing have been saved, others like the pulpit had to be renewed.

Look at the big Christophorus statue in the western transept. Faith tells that when you look at a Christophorus you can be sure you won’t die that day.

Update 2010: The outside of the cathedral is currently undergoing restorations and large parts are behind scaffolding.

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Münster’s only baroque church, built by Johann Conrad Schlaun in 1745 - 1753. The octogonal church is crowned by a dome - deriving from the model of baroque architecture in Rome and finally from the ancient Pantheon. The dome is decorated with a fresco that reveals a (painted) view into heaven. Restoration works had it closed for some years. However, these works are finished. The church can now be admired in all its freshly polished splendour.

Outside mass and services the church can only be viewed through the wrought-iron gate behind the entrance door.

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The baroque palace was designed by Johann Conrad Schlaun, Westfalen’s great 18th century architect. It was the city palace of a noble family who were important civil servants in the bishopric.

The palace grounds are located on a street corner. The main building is positioned diagonally so that a triangular courtyard was formed in front of it. A high baroque fence separates it from the public street.

The Drost or Droste was actually the title of a high-ranking official in the administration. Since the positions soon became inheritable and connected to certain noble families, they adopted the title as part of their name and called themselves “Droste zu (of) Nameofplace”. The best-known member of such a family is probably the 19th century poet Annette von Droste zu Hülshoff, or von Droste-Hülshoff as she is usually named.

The modern museum building contains a large permanent collection about history, art and culture of the region of Westfalen and also shows temporary exhibitions - check their website what's on. The museum is owned and operated by the Federal State and the biggest museum in the city.

Update 2010: The entire back part of the museum has been torn down and is currently being substituted by a new building. So there is a huge construction site. Only a limited part of the exhibition halls can still be visited.