Free museums in North Rhine – Westphalia

Motorworld Köln – Rheinland is a unique destination for car enthusiasts. It serves as a service center for classic and collector's vehicles, with a focus on trade, storage, workshops, and accessory shops. This means that visitors can not only admire a wide range of vintage cars but also have the opportunity to purchase accessories or even vehicles themselves. The center also offers workshops where visitors can learn more about the maintenance and restoration of classic cars.

Altena Castle is a significant historical site located in the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia. The castle, which is a medieval hill castle, is situated on a spur of Klusenberg hill, near the Lenne in the Märkischer Kreis. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a piece of history while enjoying the beautiful surrounding landscape.

The Classic Remise Düsseldorf was opened on 16 September 2006 in a former roundhouse. The total area is more than 19,000 square meters. The Classic Remise Düsseldorf contains 80 boxes of glass for the exhibition of cars and 35 specialized service providers - including dealers, restorers, workshops a

Villa Zanders, located in Bergisch Gladbach in the Rheinisch-Bergischen Kreis of North Rhine-Westphalia, is a former industrialist villa that belonged to the Zanders family. This three-story brick building is structured with natural stone in the style of the French Renaissance. The villa was built in 1873-1874 for Maria Zanders, the widow of Carl Richard Zanders, and was originally situated in the middle of a small park, of which only remnants remain.

The Hürten Heimatmuseum is situated in the charming town of Bad Münstereifel, in the Euskirchen district of North Rhine-Westphalia. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region, while also enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility of the surrounding area.

Schloss Berleburg, situated in the rural town of Bad Berleburg in Germany, is the official residence of the Princes of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. This historic castle, with a history spanning over 600 years, is currently occupied by Gustav, the 7th Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg. The castle's rich history and its royal residents make it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in history and royalty.

The Wildpark Tannenbusch, located in Dormagen - Delhoven, is a zoo that remains open throughout the year. It was first opened to the public in 1958, making it a long-standing part of the local community.

The Heimat-Tierpark Olderdissen (animal park Olderdissen) is an urban zoo in Bielefeld that consists of around 16 hectares. The zoo is home to more than 450 individual animals, including 90 different species. The park offers a year-round 24-hour opening with free entry and focuses on the representat

Museum Folkwang is an art museum in Essen with an art collection with 19th- and 20th-century art. The collection of the museum contains works of impressionism, expressionism, surrealism and other styles of modern art. In addition, Museum Folkwang holds objects of the arts and crafts, a graphic and a

The Photography Forum, previously known as the Kunst- und Kulturzentrum, is a museum located in Monschau, StädteRegion Aachen. The museum primarily focuses on photography, making it a unique destination for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

The Miele Museum showcases approximately 200 exhibits from the company's production. These include a wide range of items such as washing machines, milk centrifuges, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, hand carts, bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles. This diverse collection provides a comprehensive overview of the company's product evolution and technological advancements over the years.

The Museum im Stern, established in 1968, is the city museum of Warburg. It is located in the Stern House, a former medieval nobleman's estate in Warburg's New Town. This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum's collections and exhibitions.

The Baumberger Sandstone Museum, located in Havixbeck near Münster, is dedicated to the fine-grained yellow Baumberger sandstone, also known as limestone sandstone, which is mined in the nearby Baumberger mountains. This museum provides an in-depth look into the history and significance of this unique type of sandstone.

The Ibbenbüren City Museum is a city and local history museum that focuses on the history and development of the city of Ibbenbüren in Tecklenburger Land. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city's past, making it a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the region's history.

The Eifelmuseum Blankenheim is situated in the town of Blankenheim (Ahr), within the district of Euskirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, on Ahrstraße. This location is easily accessible and provides a great starting point for exploring the museum and the surrounding area.

Wildpark im Grafenberger Wald is a 36 hectares wildlife park in the Grafenberger Wald (Grafenberg Forest). It is one of the oldest game parks in Germany and shows only native animals. Visitors can see over 100 animals living in spacious enclosures, with wild pigs, raccoons and more.

The Bakelit-Museum Kierspe is a unique museum dedicated to Bakelite, a material invented in 1905 by Leo Hendrik Baekeland and recognized as the first industrial plastic. The museum is located in the Old Town Hall of Kierspe, adding a touch of historical charm to the experience.

The Egge Museum, situated in Altenbeken, North Rhine-Westphalia, is a unique destination that primarily displays exhibits from the era when iron extraction and processing played a significant role in the region. Visitors can gain insights into the historical importance of iron industry in Altenbeken and explore a variety of exhibits that reflect this period.

The Museum Abtei Liesborn is a unique destination for art and cultural history enthusiasts. It is situated in the baroque abbot's residence of the former Liesborn Abbey of the Benedictines in Liesborn. This setting provides a rich historical backdrop for the museum's exhibits, adding to the overall visitor experience.

Wewelsburg is a Renaissance castle situated in the village of the same name in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. The castle is surrounded on three sides by the village, which is now part of the city of Büren. The castle was built in its current form between 1603 and 1609 as the second home to Prince-Bishop Dietrich von Fürstenberg. Today, the castle appears as a remodeling and inclusion of earlier buildings on the site, with the first buildings erected as early as the 8th and 9th centuries.

The Kinderbauernhof Neuss is a project that was established in 1978. It is situated in the Selikumer Park, within the recreational area of Reuschenberger Busch in Neuss - Selikum. This location offers a serene and natural environment, making it an ideal place for visitors who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing experience.

The Ruhr Museum is a natural history and cultural history museum for the Ruhrgebiet (the Ruhr area) in Essen. In the permanent exhibition in the museum, it documents nature, culture and history of the Ruhr area and thus the development of the largest agglomeration in Europe.

The Heimatmuseum Hückeswagen is situated in the eastern hall building of the Hückeswagen Castle. This location adds a historical charm to the museum, making it a unique destination for tourists interested in history and architecture.

The Wildfreigehege Bend, opened in 1975, is a spacious wildlife park that spans over 7 hectares. It is nestled in the forest area between the Erft river and the highway in Grevenbroich, providing a serene and natural environment for visitors to explore.

The Mühlenhof Breckerfeld is a historical ensemble of buildings located in Breckerfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia. This unique collection includes a relocated post mill, a baking storage, a grain storage, a bee house, a bakery, a farmhouse, and a coffee shop with a farm shop. Each of these structures contributes to the overall historical and cultural significance of the site, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The Lindenthaler Tierpark is an animal park/zoo in Cologne mainly for families with children who can observe animals up close or play in the park. The stock of animals varies in number. Around 26 fallow deer, 25 goats, highland cattle, many sheep, turkeys, peacocks, water fowl and various chickens h

The Städtische Museum Kalkar is housed in a stepped gable house that dates back to the year 1500. This historic building adds to the charm and authenticity of the museum, providing a unique backdrop for the exhibits.

The Geschichtsmuseum der Stadt Lüdenscheid is a local history museum that is conveniently located south of the city center of Lüdenscheid. It is situated near the shopping zone Wilhelmstraße and the town hall, making it easily accessible for tourists who are exploring the city.

The Brewery Museum is a beer museum in Dortmund. It is a place devoted to the renowned Dortmund beer. Visitors can learn everything about the history and beer brewing process. The museum focuses on the history of the Dortmund breweries, mostly on the 19th and 20th century with a special focus on the

The Stadt- und Heimatmuseum is a local museum located in the city of Marl. It was founded by Heinrich Keller, who was the head of the Marl local history association. This museum is a testament to the city's rich history and culture, making it a significant point of interest for tourists.

The Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte or MKK (Museum of Art and Cultural History) is a municipal art museum in Dortmund. The Museum of Art and Art History in Dortmund is housed in the 1924 former Municipal Savings Bank, built by Hugo Steinbach. The collections of paintings, sculptures, furniture

The Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte is an archaeological museum situated in the city of Balve, within the Märkischen Kreis region. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the past and explore the rich archaeological history of the area.

The Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten, located in Marl, is an art museum with a primary focus on sculptures from the classical modern and contemporary art periods. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide range of sculptures, providing a comprehensive insight into the evolution of this art form over the years.

The East Wall Museum (Museum am Ostwall) is a museum of modern and contemporary art, located in the former Dortmunder U brewery on the Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse in the German city of Dortmund. The museum collection includes paintings, sculptures, objects and photographs and a collection of graphics of

The Red Cross Historical Collection in Westphalia-Lippe is a museum dedicated to the history and work of the Red Cross. It is located in the municipality of Schlangen, in the Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The museum offers a unique insight into the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, humanitarian work, or the Red Cross itself.

The StiftsMuseum Xanten is a church museum that houses a rich collection of artifacts. This includes the church treasure of the Xanten St. Viktor Church and other significant testimonies of regional history. The museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the religious and cultural heritage of the region.

The Steinwache is a memorial museum in Dortmund. It is a Resistance & Persecution Museum housed in the police station Steinwache that was established in 1906. In 1933 the Gestapo took over the prison and imprisoned and tortured opponents of the Nazi regime. Between 1933 and 1945 more than 66,000 peo

The Zellentrakt Memorial in Herford is a significant site dedicated to the victims of National Socialism. Established in 2005, the memorial is located in the former detention rooms of the police, which were in use from 1917. These rooms are situated in the basement vaults of the Herford Town Hall, adding a historical dimension to the memorial.

The Heimatmuseum Oedt, located in the basement of the former Oedt town hall, has been managed by the Heimatverein Oedt since 1989. This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum's exhibits, adding to the overall experience for visitors.

The new permanent exhibition of the memorial and memorial site, Mahn- und Gedenkstätte, deals with the topic "Dusseldorf children and young people under National Socialism". Through selected biographies, it is examined how children and adolescents behaved during the period of National Socialism, how

The Adenauer House, located in Rhöndorf, a district of Bad Honnef near Bonn, was the residence of Konrad Adenauer, the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. This historical site offers a glimpse into the life of one of Germany's most influential figures and is a significant destination for those interested in German history.

The Oelinghausen Monastery, situated in Arnsberg, Germany, has a rich history dating back to around 1174. Initially, it was established as a double monastery, which means it housed both monks and nuns. However, it later evolved into a Premonstratensian monastery, a religious order known for its commitment to community living, self-sufficiency, and hospitality.

The Hoesch Museum is a museum in Dortmund that is housed in the historic concierge building of the Westfalenhütte, the museum presents an overview of 160 years of company history, the history of technology and the social history of steel work, combined with Dortmund's city history.

The Gerichtsmuseum, located in Bad Fredeburg, a district of Schmallenberg, is a museum dedicated to the history of crime. This unique focus offers visitors a chance to delve into the intriguing world of criminal justice, from its ancient roots to its modern manifestations.

Quadrat-Bottrop is a museum complex situated in the city park of Bottrop, a city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a stroll in the park, making it an ideal destination for art and nature lovers alike.

Wilhelmsburg, located in Hilchenbach, is a former Nassau residence and summer palace that was converted into an administrative building in 1776. This well-proportioned, massive Baroque building was constructed on older foundations and features a plastered facade with mineral paint, a slate-covered roof, and wooden mullioned windows. The building's history dates back to 1365, when it was a fortified house, and it was later named Wilhelmsburg after its new owner, Count Wilhelm of Nassau-Siegen-Hilchenbach.

The Mineralien Museum (the Mineralogy Museum) is a museum in Essen that hosts an impressive collection of minerals that used to be private. The minerals are presented in various thematic exhibitions.

The Stadtmuseum Iserlohn is a local history museum situated in the city of Iserlohn. It is housed in the Baroque building Fritz-Kühn-Platz 1, which is located next to the St. Pankratius Church. This location adds to the historical charm of the museum and provides a picturesque setting for visitors.

The Museum der Stadt Löhne is a regional history museum situated in the East Westphalian city of Löhne, North Rhine-Westphalia. It offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the region, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in understanding the local heritage.

The Museum der Stadt Lennestadt is situated in the district of Grevenbrück. The building that houses the museum was originally constructed in 1910 and served as the “Royal Prussian Cadastre Office Förde” in the Olpe district. This historical building adds a unique charm to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists who appreciate architecture and history.

The Haniel Museum is a museum in Duisburg. The museum is housed in the oldest building in Ruhrort, the former home and founder of the company Haniel which was once known as the "Ruhrorter Packhaus". In this historic warehouse, on three floors, the visitor experiences how the family business develope

The Natur- und Landschaftsmuseum is situated in the historic town of Bad Münstereifel, in the Euskirchen district of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is housed in the Werther Tor, a part of the town's completely preserved and walkable fortifications. This location adds a unique historical charm to the museum, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

NaturGut Ophoven, located in Leverkusen, is an environmental education center that caters to both children and adults. The center was established in 1984 on the grounds of an old manor in the Opladen district. This location offers a unique blend of history and nature, making it an interesting destination for tourists.

Burg Dringenberg is a significant historical site located in Dringenberg, in the Höxter district of North Rhine-Westphalia. This medieval castle was one of the most important national castles of the Paderborn bishopric, playing a crucial role in the region's history. Visitors can explore the castle's robust defensive wall and tower, known as the 'Hungerturm', and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley below.

The Glasmuseum Bad Driburg is a city museum located in Bad Driburg, Germany. The museum is dedicated to the theme of glass, showcasing the history and artistry of glass production and refinement in the region since the 16th century. It is housed in the Heinz-Koch-Haus, a building named after a significant benefactor of the museum, Heinz Koch.

The Osthofentor is a significant historical structure in the Hanseatic city of Soest. It was newly erected between 1523 and 1526, serving as a city gate on the Hellweg. This green sandstone building is the last remaining of the original eight main and two secondary gates of the Soest city fortification.

The Tuchmuseum Lennep, located in Remscheid, is a museum dedicated to the history of the cloth industry in the Bergisches Land. It provides a comprehensive overview of the industry's development and its impact on the region. The museum is housed in the building of GGS Freiherr vom Stein, located at Hardtstraße 2.

The Heimatmuseum Marienfeld is a local history museum situated on the Schürmann farm in Marienfeld, North Rhine-Westphalia. This museum offers a unique insight into the region's history and culture, showcasing a variety of traditional tools and agricultural equipment that were commonly used in the eastern Münsterland area.

The Heimatmuseum Waltrop, a museum dedicated to the local history of Waltrop, has been situated in the Riphaushof since 1996. This location provides a unique setting for the museum, which showcases the rich history of the area.

The Gerbereimuseum Enger is a craft museum situated in the city of Enger, located in the East Westphalian region of North Rhine-Westphalia. This museum offers a unique insight into the history and techniques of the tanning industry, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, crafts, and industry.

The Kunsthaus Rietberg – Museum Wilfried Koch is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the artist Wilfried Koch. It is located in the town of Rietberg, in the region of East Westphalia, Germany. The museum showcases the artistic and illustrative work of Koch, supplemented by documents and records related to his personal life and scientific work.

The Haus der Stadtgeschichte in Kamen is conveniently located near the town hall, nestled between the Kamener Markt and the Kamener Bahnhof. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.

The Museum Achse, Rad und Wagen, located in Wiehl in the Oberbergischer Kreis in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, was inaugurated in 1952. It was originally established as a factory museum for the company BPW Bergische Achsen Kommanditgesellschaft.

The Freilichtmuseum Sachsenhof in Greven -Pentrup is a unique attraction that offers a glimpse into the past. It is a reconstruction of a 1200-year-old early medieval Saxon farmstead. The museum showcases attempts to cultivate crops and wild herbs from that era, providing a fascinating insight into the agricultural practices of the time.

The Heimatmuseum Bergneustadt is a folk museum situated in the town of Bergneustadt. It offers a unique insight into the local culture and history, making it an interesting destination for tourists who are keen on learning about the region's past.

Schleiper Hammer, located in Kierspe, is a former hammer mill that has been transformed into a technology museum. This museum showcases the tradition of broadware forging in the upper Volme valley during the 1930s. It also features an exhibit on the early days of Bakelite pressing, a manufacturing process that also developed in the upper Volme valley during the 1930s.

The Stickereimuseum Oberhundem is situated in the charming locality of Oberhundem, which is part of the municipality of Kirchhundem. This location is in the Olpe district, nestled in the southeast of North Rhine-Westphalia. This geographical positioning makes the museum easily accessible for tourists visiting the region.

The Kolonie-Museum in Leverkusen - Wiesdorf is a unique institution that documents the everyday life in the Bayer factory settlements, also known as Bayer colonies. These settlements were established for the employees of the Bayer factory and their families. The museum provides an authentic impression of the living conditions of the Bayer factory workers, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in social history and industrial heritage.

The Verkehrshistorische Ausstellung Galerie is a private transport museum located in Lüdenscheid. It specializes in the history of public transport, with a particular emphasis on bus transport and small railways in the Märkischer Kreis area. This museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history of transportation in this region.

The term 'Verstärkeramt' is an outdated term that refers to cable-bound relay stations that amplify electrical communication signals. This term originated from the era when the operation of the public telephone network was under state administration. This historical context provides an interesting backdrop to the museum's exhibits.

Established in the mid-2000s, the Karnevalsmuseum Eschweiler is dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions of the regional carnival clubs. The museum's collections and exhibits provide a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region's carnival celebrations, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in local traditions and cultural heritage.

The GeoMuseum - University of Cologne is the only natural history museum in Cologne. The museum holds and exhibits a collection that includes minerals, gemstones, meteorites and fossils.

KAI 10 | ARTHENA FOUNDATION aims to be an independent space for contemporary art. It is a non-commercial art institution without an own collection. The exhibition space is located in a former warehouse from the 1950s, one of the few historical buildings remaining in Düsseldorf’s Media Harbour. With

The Hartware MedienKunstVerein (HMKV) is a platform for the production, presentation, and communication of contemporary and experimental (media) art. Among the major goals of the HMKV are exploring contemporary themes and questions, addressing the wider public in its educational work, and an interdi

The Alte Kornbrennerei, a protected monument, is situated in the heart of Sundern (Sauerland). This historic building is home to the local museum 'Alte Kornbrennerei'. The museum offers a glimpse into the region's past, showcasing its rich history and heritage.