About the museum
The LWL-Museum für Naturkunde in Münster is a natural history museum devoted to scientific discovery, education and cultural heritage. Its collections include fossil marine reptiles from the Mesozoic Era, and its interactive exhibits, life-size models and multimedia presentations explore subjects ranging from dinosaurs and the evolution of life to the Milky Way. Discover the LWL-Museum für Naturkunde
History
The museum’s history began in 1831 with the establishment of the Westfälischer Provinzialverein für Wissenschaft und Kunst (Westphalian Provincial Association for Science and Art). In 1892, the Westfälisches Landesmuseum für Naturkunde (Westphalian State Museum of Natural History) was inaugurated, displaying natural history collections in a former monastery. A new building dedicated to the paleontological collection opened in 1981.
The museum has a longstanding tradition of scientific research. Its staff contribute to paleontology, zoology, botany and geology through fieldwork and collaborative projects. The collection of Mesozoic fossil marine reptiles offers insights into the evolution of marine life.
Public education is another part of the museum’s work. Its interactive exhibits and educational programs use displays, life-size models and multimedia presentations to make scientific subjects accessible to visitors.
Exhibitions
Dinosaurs: Giants of the Sea and Land
The dinosaur exhibits include the 14-meter-long skeleton of “Otto,” a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex; a 13-meter-long Allosaurus, a predator from the Jurassic period; and a Plateosaurus, one of the first large herbivorous dinosaurs. The marine reptiles include a 12-meter-long Ichthyosaurus, a dolphin-like reptile that lived in the seas during the Jurassic period.
Planet Earth: From the Beginning to Westphalia
This exhibition follows 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history, from the processes that formed the planet to the present day. It traces the evolution of life from the first single-celled organisms to today’s plants and animals, and presents fossils of extinct animals and plants from Westphalia.
Wildlife of Westphalia
Exhibits explore Westphalia’s habitats, including forests, meadows, rivers and wetlands, and introduce native species such as red deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers and a variety of birds. The exhibition also explains the importance of conservation efforts to protect the region’s natural heritage.
General Geology
Displays cover Earth’s structure, composition and geological processes. Visitors can explore minerals and rocks from around the world, learn about Westphalia’s geological history, rock formations and mineral resources, and use interactive displays and models to understand plate tectonics, erosion and mountain formation.
Milky Way at Night
This exhibition explores astronomy, space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life. Interactive displays and simulations introduce stars, galaxies and planets. Regular planetarium shows project constellations, planets and other celestial objects onto a dome-shaped ceiling.
Human Being
Exhibits explore human evolution through fossil casts, reconstructions and interactive displays, as well as the anatomy, physiology and genetics of the human body. The exhibition also presents human cultures around the world, including their art, music, languages and social customs.
Marine Animals
The museum’s marine animal collection includes preserved fish, sharks, rays, sea turtles and marine mammals. A large coral reef diorama shows the diversity of life in these underwater habitats. Exhibits also address ocean conservation, including pollution, overfishing and climate change.
The Whale Hall
The Whale Hall features whale skeletons, including a 25-meter-long blue whale. Exhibits explain marine mammal adaptations such as streamlined bodies and powerful tails, and trace whale evolution from land-dwelling mammals to ocean giants.
Practical visiting information
Opening hours and tickets
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM. It is closed on Mondays, except for public holidays.
- Adult: €8
- Child: €4
- Family: €20
Check the museum’s official website for the latest ticket prices and discounts.
Getting there
By public transport: From Münster Central Station (Hauptbahnhof), take bus 1, 4 or 9 to the “LWL-Museum” stop; the museum is a short walk away. Other bus lines that stop near the museum include 11, 12 and 22.
By car: The museum is on Sentruper Straße, close to the city center. Limited parking is available in front of the museum. Nearby parking garages include “Hindenburgplatz” and “Aegidiimarkt.”
By bicycle: Münster is a bicycle-friendly city, and there is bicycle parking near the museum entrance.
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators connecting all floors and accessible restrooms. Tactile exhibits and audio guides are available for visitors with visual impairments. Guided tours are offered for visitors with disabilities and visitors with special needs. Detailed information about accessible routes and services is available on the museum website.
Café, shop, events and tours
The museum café serves snacks, drinks and light meals during museum hours. The museum shop sells books, souvenirs and educational toys related to natural history.
Events throughout the year include educational workshops, thematic tours and family activities. Guided tours are available for groups and can be booked in advance through the museum’s website.
Tips
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Nearby places
Historical city center (Altstadt)
Münster’s pedestrian-friendly Altstadt has cobblestone streets, gabled houses and historical landmarks.
- St. Paulus Dom (Münster Cathedral) A cathedral combining Romanesque and Gothic architecture, with an astronomical clock dating to the 16th century.
- Prinzipalmarkt A historic market square lined with gabled houses, with shops and places to dine.
- Historical City Hall (Historisches Rathaus) A building with an ornate facade and a symbol of Münster’s history. The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years’ War, was signed here in 1648.
Museums and art galleries
- Picasso Museum Located in a former Dominican monastery, it houses an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s graphic works.
- LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur Its collection of art and cultural artifacts spans the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Stadtmuseum Münster Tells the city’s history, from its early beginnings to the present day.
Parks and gardens
Münster has numerous parks and gardens.
- Aasee An artificial lake with opportunities for boating, cycling and picnicking.
- Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten) Located near the LWL-Museum für Naturkunde, it showcases plants from around the world.
- Allwetterzoo Münster A family-friendly zoo with animals including elephants, lions and penguins.
Cycling in Münster
Münster is known for its bicycle-friendly infrastructure and culture, with over 4,500 kilometers of cycle paths. Bicycle rentals are widely available throughout the city.
Accommodation
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. The city center and the area around Aasee are popular choices for visitors.
Food and drink
Münster’s food scene includes traditional Westphalian dishes such as Pfefferpotthast, a type of beef stew, and Pickert, a type of potato pancake, as well as restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.
Shopping
Independent boutiques, department stores and shopping centers can be found around the city. Prinzipalmarkt and the surrounding streets have shops selling fashion, accessories, souvenirs and more.
Nightlife
The city center has bars, pubs and clubs, offering a relaxed atmosphere for an evening out.
Getting around
Münster is relatively compact, and most attractions are within walking distance of one another. Buses and trains connect different parts of the city, and taxis are readily available.
