Medieval document from 1291 confirming church patronage rights in Attendorn

North Rhine Westphalia State Archives Westphalia Division

North Rhine-Westphalia State Archives Westphalia Division Münster: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the historic heart of Münster, the North Rhine-Westphalia State Archives, Westphalia Division (Landesarchiv Nordrhein-Westfalen, Abteilung Westfalen), is a cornerstone for safeguarding, researching, and celebrating the region’s remarkable heritage. Founded in 1829 as the Königliches Provinzialarchiv Münster, it houses an extraordinary collection of documents, from medieval charters dated as early as 813 CE to modern administrative records, spanning more than 1,200 years. Here, you can explore Westphalia’s political, social, and cultural evolution—including world-changing events like the Peace of Westphalia of 1648.

Beyond scholars and genealogists, the archive welcomes all visitors—tourists, families, and cultural travelers—offering free access, guided tours, accessible facilities, educational programs, and expansive digital resources. Its proximity to Münster’s iconic sites, such as the Prinzipalmarkt and Münster Cathedral, makes it an essential stop for any cultural itinerary in this vibrant city.

This guide provides a detailed overview for prospective visitors, including opening hours, registration, accessibility, research tips, collections, and nearby attractions. For the latest updates and to explore digital archives, consult the official archive website, as well as genealogy platforms like FamilySearch and MyHeritage.

Bucker map showing Lippe area around Haus Stockum after 1710

Blue and white embossed sealing stamp from K. Staatsarchiv Münster, measuring 4 cm

Brown and white embossed sealing stamp of Kön. Preuss. Staats Archiv zu Münster

Welcome to the North Rhine-Westphalia State Archives Münster
History and Significance
Planning Your Visit: Hours and Admission
Getting There and Accessibility
Visitor Services and Facilities
Archive Collections Overview
Research and Family History Resources
Guided Tours, Events, and Nearby Attractions
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
References and Useful Links

Welcome to the North Rhine-Westphalia State Archives Münster

The Landesarchiv Nordrhein-Westfalen, Abteilung Westfalen, is one of Germany’s foremost archival institutions, preserving a comprehensive record of Westphalian history and culture. Whether you are a dedicated researcher, family historian, or a curious visitor, the archive offers a unique window into the past amid the architectural beauty and cultural vibrancy of Münster.

History and Significance

Custodian of Westphalian Heritage

As the official memory institution for the region, the archive preserves records from medieval times through the present. Its holdings reflect Westphalia’s transformation from fragmented ecclesiastical territories and principalities into a key part of modern North Rhine-Westphalia. Among its treasures are original documents related to the Peace of Westphalia (1648), a landmark treaty that ended the Thirty Years’ War and helped shape modern European diplomacy (Archives Portal Europe).

Legal and Administrative Role

The archive is legally mandated to preserve documents of enduring value produced by state authorities, courts, and institutions within Westphalia. It also collects private papers, records from associations, and business archives, ensuring a holistic view of the region’s development and supporting government transparency and citizen rights.

Academic and Educational Impact

The Westphalia Division supports historians, genealogists, and educators with its vast collections, which underpin studies in history, law, sociology, and culture. Public exhibitions, educational programs, and digital projects make Westphalia’s heritage accessible worldwide (Archives Portal Europe).

Planning Your Visit: Hours and Admission

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM (check the official website for up-to-date hours and holiday closures).
Admission: Free entry to all visitors, including reading rooms and exhibitions.
Registration: Required for use of archival materials. Bring a valid photo ID (passport or national ID card). Pre-registration online or by email is recommended for efficiency.
Special Events and Tours: Some special events or guided tours may require advance booking. Details are available on the archive’s website.

Getting There and Accessibility

Address: Landesarchiv Nordrhein-Westfalen Abteilung Westfalen, Bohlweg, 48147 Münster, Germany.
By Public Transport: From Münster Hauptbahnhof (main train station), take bus lines or enjoy a 20-minute walk through the city center.
By Car: Paid parking is available nearby, but spaces are limited; public transport or cycling is encouraged.
By Bicycle: Münster’s extensive bike paths make the archive easily accessible for cyclists.
Accessibility: The building is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms. The staff can assist with any special needs (archive’s accessibility statement).

Visitor Services and Facilities

Reading Rooms: Spacious, well-lit workspaces equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi, microfilm readers, and digital viewing stations. Staff archivists are available to assist.
Lockers: Bags and coats must be stored in provided lockers for preservation and security.
Digital Resources: Onsite digital workstations allow access to scanned documents and online catalogs. Many resources are also available remotely.
Self-Service Scanners and Reproduction: Scanners and photocopiers are available for a small fee. Non-flash photography is permitted with staff approval.
Guided Tours and Educational Programs: Regularly scheduled tours, workshops, and lectures. Special group tours can be booked in advance.
Exhibitions: The archive hosts rotating exhibitions highlighting local history and archival treasures.
Language Support: Multilingual staff and some English-language finding aids are available for international visitors.

Archive Collections Overview

Chronological and Thematic Breadth

Medieval and Early Modern Records: Charters, deeds, and official documents from the Prince-Bishopric of Münster and other authorities.
Modern State and Municipal Records: Files from Prussian and North Rhine-Westphalian offices, courts, and police, reflecting the modernization of governance since the 19th century.
Private Papers and Corporate Archives: Documents from noble families, individuals, associations, and businesses.
Maps, Plans, and Photographs: Over 80,000 maps, 2,000 photographs, and thousands of plans documenting regional development.
Special Collections: Manuscripts, posters, genealogical tables, audio-visual materials, and more.
Digital Collections: Many records are digitized and accessible online via the Landesarchiv NRW portal, Archives Portal Europe, and genealogy platforms.

Research and Family History Resources

Types of Records

Civil Registration (Personenstandsregister): Birth, marriage, and death records since 1876, with millions of names indexed (MyHeritage Blog).
Church Records (Kirchenbücher): Baptisms, marriages, and burials from Catholic, Protestant, and other parishes, often predating civil registration.
Family Registers (Familienbücher): Indexed family groups within parishes, often including migration notes.
Administrative Records: Census data, tax lists, military files, and emigration documents.
Cultural and Social History: Guild records, court proceedings, and documentation of everyday life.

Research Support and Tips

Preparation: Know the exact town or parish of your ancestors as records are organized locally. Gather as much detail as possible before your visit.
Catalogues: Use online finding aids and digital catalogs (Landesarchiv NRW) to plan your research.
Language and Script: Many records are in German with old scripts like Kurrent or Sütterlin. The FamilySearch German Letter Writing Guide is helpful.
Remote Research: If you cannot visit in person, you may request information by mail or email, using templates from the FamilySearch Wiki.

Guided Tours, Events, and Nearby Attractions

Guided Tours: Available by request or during scheduled times; check the archive’s website for details.
Special Exhibitions: The archive regularly hosts thematic exhibitions highlighting significant documents and local history.
Photography: Permitted for personal use in designated areas with staff approval.
Nearby Historical Sites: Combine your visit with Münster Cathedral, Prinzipalmarkt, the Peace of Westphalia Museum, and the Westphalian State Museum of Art and Cultural History.
Local Amenities: Numerous cafés and restaurants are within walking distance.

Practical Visitor Tips

Plan Ahead: Confirm visiting hours, reserve records, and check if tours require booking.
Register with a Photo ID: Registration is required for archival access.
Handling Materials: Use only pencils in reading rooms; gloves may be required for fragile items.
Allow Adequate Time: Research can be time-consuming—allocate enough time for your visit.
Review Digital Catalogs: Many resources are available online for pre-visit planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there entrance fees or tickets required?
A: No, admission to the archive and reading rooms is free.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is required for research. Advance booking is recommended for guided tours.

Q: Is the archive accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, the archive is fully accessible.

Q: Can I take photographs or scan documents?
A: Photography is allowed in designated areas for personal use. Scanning and copying are available for a fee.

Q: Are digital resources available off-site?
A: Many collections are digitized and accessible online via archive portals and genealogy platforms.

Q: What documents can I research?
A: Civil registration, church records, family registers, administrative records, and more.

Q: Can I get help with old German handwriting?
A: Staff can assist; also consult the FamilySearch German Letter Writing Guide.

References and Useful Links

Final Thoughts

The North Rhine-Westphalia State Archives, Westphalia Division, in Münster invites you to discover more than a millennium of regional history. With its exceptional collections, modern amenities, and commitment to accessibility, it is a must-visit for historians, genealogists, students, and cultural travelers. To make the most of your visit, consult the official Landesarchiv NRW website for current hours and resources, and consider exploring digital catalogs and genealogy partnerships for remote research.

Embark on your journey into Westphalia’s past—where every document tells a story.

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