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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closed on 3 October 2026 – Paulusmuseum Münster – open Mon–Sat, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.
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
Through contemporary exhibitions that spark the curiosity of visitors of all ages and backgrounds, the PAULUSMUSEUM aims to demonstrate the uniqueness of the cathedral treasury and its contemporary significance. Rotating exhibitions showcase a portion of the treasury alongside selected loans, ensuring that visitors encounter fresh themes and surprising perspectives.
Deliberate contrasts
Modern and unconventional perspectives are juxtaposed with the historic cathedral treasury. This surprising dialogue breaks with familiar patterns of viewing and thinking, allowing one to discover the new within the old and the old within the new.
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. (Jörg Preckel) P / E / P Architekten + Stadtplaner
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
Opening hours
Mon–Sat, 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
closed on: public holidays, 3 Oct 2026, 23–27 Dec 2026 and 31 Dec 2026 – 3 Jan 2027
Booked groups upon request
From 9:00 am
Location
Alter Steinweg 3, 48143 Münster
Admission
free
Guided tours and workshops available for a fee
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 select seven deacons—including Stephen—to assist their community in Jerusalem. His Christian convictions…
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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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Fabienne Verdier
Vado, ma dove? (Je vais, mais où)
I go, but where to? – The artwork is the poster motif and the title-giver of the exhibition. It reflects the…
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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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Circumcision Book of Meyer Spiegel and Home Nativity Scene
Jesus is born as a Jew. Like all Jewish boys, he is circumcised on the eighth day. Paul, too, was circumcised as a Jew.
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Gebrüder Dryander
Plate for dairy foods, Halav und Plate for meat dishes, Basari
The two plates represent a central principle of Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut): the separation of dairy (halav) and meat…
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The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) and Three Wise Men and Christ in the Manger
In this Pentecost icon, Paul is depicted as an equal alongside Mary and the Apostles. At the event of Pentecost, the…
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Volker Hermes
Untitled (Andries van Eervelt)
Paul is being transported from Caesarea to Rome as a prisoner. Throughout the journey, he entrusts his fate to God. At…
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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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Copy of the Lord Mayor's Chain of Office ("Travel Chain")
Inscription on upper medallion: CITY OF MÜNSTER – 1861Inscription on lower medallion: FREDERICK WILLIAM III FOUNDER OF…
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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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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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It is not about showing as much as possible, but about creating a place that provides inspiration.
The cathedral treasury
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.
In recent years, too, artworks and objects have been—and continue to be—added to the collection: be it donations of prints or photographs depicting the cathedral, or contemporary artworks. Our collection centered on the treasury is constantly evolving.
is the figure for whom the museum is named. His life story was marked by contradictions and turning points—the story of a man whom nothing could deter from standing up for his convictions. Once a persecutor of the young Christian community, he became one of its most significant proclaimers in the first century AD. He has been venerated as the patron saint of Münster Cathedral since the ninth century. Münster Cathedral is the only episcopal church in Germany dedicated solely to the Apostle Paul. For more than 1,200 years, the saint, the cathedral, and the city of Münster have been inextricably linked; the new PAULUSMUSEUM aims to continue this story in a variety of ways.
Programmes
The PAULUSMUSEUM sees itself as an open venue for education and culture, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds. A central aim of its educational outreach is to build bridges—between past and present, and between cultural-religious heritage and contemporary life. Our offerings combine a diverse supporting program with a range of educational activities, including workshops, guided tours, and programs designed for all age groups.
Booking requests (form)
museumsfuehrungen@bistum-muenster.de
Tel. +49 251 495-6704 Tel. +49 251 495-6708
(Mon–Fri, 12:00–17:30)