FROM THE CHAMBER AT THE CATHEDRAL TO THE TREASURE HOUSE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
Modern history
Eight years after the closure of the "Domkammer“ (old cathedral museum) the PAULUSMUSEUM displays the spiritually unique treasure in modern architecture. The museum brings Christian history and stories into an unexpectedly contemporary, open exchange and cross-cultural discourse.
EXHIBITS BROUGHT TO LIFE
With innovative, modern and emotional exhibitions for a wide variety of visitors, the PAULUSMUSEUM aims to demonstrate the uniqueness of the cathedral treasure and its meaning and relevance in the present day.
Rendering: Jörg Preckel | P / E / P Architects + Urban Planners, 2025
ARCHITECTURE
In the centre of the historic old town, directly opposite St Lambert’s Church, a building is being constructed 75 years after historical rebuilding which revives the historic urban situation on Alter Steinweg in a contemporary architectural language. Within the historic parcel structure, a stone gatehouse and a striking gabled house are being built. The authentic materiality of the old town, balanced details and a modern interpretation of Münster’s gabled houses do justice to the prominence of the location. The spectacular entrance in the gatehouse leads to the PAULUS Museum and a special inner courtyard. […]
Jörg Preckel | P / E / P Architects + Urban Planners, 2025
The predominantly medieval collection is juxtaposed with modern and unusual pieces. This surprising dialogue breaks with familiar patterns of seeing and thinking, allowing visitors to discover something new in the old and something old in the new.
Rendering: Jörg Preckel | P / E / P Architects + Urban Planners, 2025
IT IS NOT ABOUT SHOWING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, BUT ABOUT CREATING A PLACE THAT PROVIDES INSPIRATION.
These are not objects that have been torn from their original context and only given new meaning in a museum.
The Cathedral Treasury is an authentic testimony to the 1,200-year history of the diocese. All of the pieces belong exactly where they are and reflect this long history. At the same time, however, these objects are more than just testimonies to history; they are part of the religious experience and perception of the world, forming bridges between this world and the next
The museum’s namesake, Saint Paul, was a man whose life was marked by contradictions and ruptures – a man who would not be deterred from his convictions by anything. The former persecutor of the early Christian community became one of its most important proclaimers in the first century AD. Evidence of him as patron saint of Münster Cathedral dates back to the 9th century. A choice that remains unique in Germany to this day. For over 1,200 years, the saint, the cathedral and the city of Münster have been connected. The new PAULUSMUSEUM aims to continue this story in a variety of ways.
PROGRAMMES
The PAULUSMUSEUM sees itself as an inclusive educational and cultural space for people of all ages and backgrounds. The central aim of our education and public engagement is to build bridges between past and present, and between cultural and religious heritage and the world of today. Our future programme will combine temporary exhibitions featuring treasures from St Paul’s Cathedral and loans from other museums, a diverse accompanying programme, and a wide range of education and public engagement activities
Workshops, guided tours and activities for all age groups are in the planning stage.
Innovative formats, lively storytelling and interesting dialogues will invite visitors to gain new insights and enjoy inspiring experiences.
