Münster
Paul's Head from St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul is the patron of the cathedral in Münster. It also bears his name: St.-Paulus-Dom. A typical way of depicting…
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Paulusmuseum Münster - NRW Day: open on Sat, 11am-6pm
From the chamber at the cathedral to the treasure house in the heart of the city
Modern history
Following the closure of the cathedral treasury in 2017, the PAULUSMUSEUM displays the spiritually unique cathedral treasure within a modern architectural setting. The museum fosters open exchange and cross-cultural dialogue on Christian history and stories.
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.
Paulus brings unique exhibits from the cathedral treasury to life
Opening Exhibition
I'm going, but where to?
Welcome to the inaugural exhibition of the Paulus Museum. In seven exhibition sections, we explore the life of the Apostle Paul (born before 10 AD in Tarsus/Cilicia; died after 60 AD, presumably in Rome). He is one of the most important early Christian missionaries, even though he never met Jesus during his lifetime. We tell the story of who Paul was, what he believed, and how his influence continues to this day.
Duration
27 August 2026 – 30 May 2027
Location
Alter Steinweg 3, 48143 Münster
Admission
free
Guided tours and workshops available for a fee
Opening hours
Mon–Sat, 12 noon–6 pm
By arrangement for groups from 10 am
Closed on Sundays and public holidays
closed on 22 September 2026
Selected Exhibits
Hermann tom Ring
The Evangelist Luke
Was the Evangelist Luke truly also the author of the Acts of the Apostles? This question is answered affirmatively in…
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Johann Brabender
St. Stephen from the former rood screen of St. Paul's Cathedral
The Apostles choose seven deacons as helpers for their community in Jerusalem, including Stephen. His Christian…
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Reliquary Cross
Even in the time of Liudger, the first Bishop of Münster (†805), Stephen was a popular saint. His relics can already be…
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Gerhard Gröninger (design and sculptural work, painted finish of the reliefs)
Fall of Paul on the Road to Damascus
This altar wing is normally located in the cathedral. It is part of the former high altar. Shown here is the left…
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Hans Stylkindt
Incense Boat with Peter and Paul
The incense container appears to "sail" like a small boat. At the bow stands a figure of Paul, while at the stern Peter…
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Volker Hermes
o. T. (Andries van Eervelt)
Paulus wird als Gefangener von Cäsarea nach Rom gebracht. Er weiß auf der Fahrt sein Schicksal in Gottes Händen. Auf…
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Phoebe with Paul
Phoebe is described in the Letter to the Romans as a deaconess and supporter of the early Christians in Corinth (Rom…
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Johann Brabender
Figures of Liudger and Paulus from the former rood screen of St. Paul's Cathedral
The veneration of Liudger in Münster was varied.In connection with the Anabaptist unrest (1534/1535), there was a…
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Silver Reliquary Bust of St. Paul
Lost treasury inventories and faded inscriptions cause the knowledge of the relics contained within to disappear for…
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Westphalia
Coconut Reliquary
The coconut reliquary is presumably the oldest surviving one in Europe. The foreign origin of the material not only…
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Fußballtrikot von Mathys Tel
Football jersey of Mathys Tell; Mathys Tell gives his football jersey to a fan
This football jersey is also a relic "in the secular sense". Like the relics of saints for believers, this textile also…
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An architectural dialogue
Architecture
In the heart of the historic old town, directly opposite the St. Lamberti Church, a building was constructed 75 years after the post-war reconstruction; it employs a contemporary architectural language to revive the historic urban layout along the Alter Steinweg. Within the historic plot structure, a stone gatehouse and a distinctive gabled building were created. The authentic materiality of the old town, balanced detailing, and a modern interpretation of Münster’s gabled houses do justice to the site's prominence. The spectacular entrance within the gatehouse leads into the "PAULUS" museum and a unique inner courtyard. P / E / P Architekten + Stadtplaner
Deliberate contrasts
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.
It is not about showing as much as possible, but about creating a place that provides inspiration.
The cathedral treasure
A cathedral treasure treasure is not a museum collection. everything that is preserved there is directly related to the cathedral and worship
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 open educational and cultural center for people of all ages and backgrounds. A central aim of its art education program is to build bridges: between past and present, between cultural and religious heritage and contemporary life. Our offerings include rotating exhibitions featuring treasures from St. Paul's Cathedral and loans from other museums, a diverse accompanying program, and educational activities. Here you will find workshops, guided tours, and programs for all age groups.
Booking requests (form)
museumsfuehrungen@bistum-muenster.de
Tel. +49 251 495-6704 Tel. +49 251 495-6708