All archaeology museums to visit in North Rhine – Westphalia

Uncover the secrets of the past at 52 archaeology museums in North Rhine – Westphalia. These museums feature artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history of ancient civilizations.

Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in North Rhine – Westphalia:

  1. Neanderthal Museum1

    Neanderthal Museum

     Erkrath
    The Neanderthal Museum, situated in the Neandertal near Mettmann, is a unique institution dedicated to the prehistory and early history of mankind. The museum's exhibits include a focus on the Neanderthals, named after the fossil find site Neandertal 1. This museum provides a comprehensive overview of human evolution and the life of our early ancestors, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and anthropology.
  2. Academic Art Museum2

    Academic Art Museum

     Bonn
    The Akademisches Kunstmuseum, or Academic Art Museum, is located in Bonn, Germany. It is home to the antique collection of the University of Bonn, which includes more than 2,700 plaster casts of antique statues and reliefs, as well as over 25,000 original pieces. This extensive collection provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of ancient civilizations.
  3. Schokoladenmuseum Köln3

    Schokoladenmuseum Köln

     Cologne
    The Schokoladenmuseum Köln (also known as the Imhoff-Schokoladenmuseum and Imhoff chocolate museum is a museum in Cologne that is dedicated to chocolate. The museum illustrates the history of chocolate, from its beginnings with the Olmecs, Maya and Aztecs to contemporary products and production meth
  4. Roman-German Museum4

    Roman-German Museum

     Cologne
    The Romano-Germanic Museum (Roman-German Museum) is an archaeological museum in Cologne that holds and exhibits Roman artifacts from the Roman settlement of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, the Roman settlement on which the city of Cologne is built. The museum can be seen as an archaeological sit
  5. LWL-Museum in der Kaiserpfalz5

    LWL-Museum in der Kaiserpfalz

     Paderborn
    The LWL-Museum in der Kaiserpfalz is situated in the East Westphalian city of Paderborn, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. It is conveniently located near the city's cathedral, making it an accessible destination for tourists visiting the area.
  6. Hürten Heimatmuseum6

    Hürten Heimatmuseum

     Bad Münstereifel
    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.
  7. Stadtmuseum Siegburg7

    Stadtmuseum Siegburg

     Siegburg
    The Stadtmuseum Siegburg is a museum that focuses on archaeology, art, and cultural history. It provides a comprehensive documentation of the history of Siegburg, from its earliest times to the present day. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics, making it a fascinating destination for anyone interested in learning more about the city's past.
  8. Rhinish Regional Museum Bonn8

    Rhinish Regional Museum Bonn

     Bonn
    The Rheinisches Landesmuseum Bonn, also known as LVR-LandesMuseum Bonn, is a museum located in Bonn, Germany. It is managed by the Rhineland Landscape Association. The museum is one of the oldest in the country and has undergone extensive renovations in 2003.
  9. Leopold-Hoesch-Museum9

    Leopold-Hoesch-Museum

     Duren
    The Leopold-Hoesch-Museum is a painting museum situated in the German city of Düren. It was inaugurated on November 8, 1905, and is named after Leopold Hoesch, a German industrialist and founder of the steel company Hoesch AG. The museum is housed in a richly decorated neo-baroque style building, designed by architect Georg Frentzen.
  10. Aliso (Roman camp)10

    Aliso (Roman camp)

     Haltern am See
    Aliso, a Roman military establishment, was built by Augustus near the current Haltern am See. This was part of his plan to create the Roman province of Germania. Today, this historical site offers a glimpse into the past, providing an understanding of the Roman military strategies and architectural prowess.
  11. LWL Museum of Archeology11

    LWL Museum of Archeology

     Herne
    The LWL Museum of Archaeology and Culture, also known as the Westphalian State Museum, is located in Herne. It is a state museum that is part of the Landscape Association Westphalia-Lippe (LWL). The museum is dedicated to showcasing the 250,000-year history of mankind in Westphalia through its exhibitions.
  12. Lippisches Landesmuseum12

    Lippisches Landesmuseum

     Detmold
    The Lippisches Landesmuseum in Detmold holds the distinction of being the largest and oldest museum in Ostwestfalen-Lippe. This museum, supported by the Landesverband Lippe, is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wide range of exhibits and collections that span various fields of study.
  13. Luisenhütte13

    Luisenhütte

     Balve
    The Luisenhütte Wocklum in Balve is a significant historical site as it is the oldest preserved blast furnace facility in Germany with complete equipment. This makes it a unique destination for tourists interested in industrial history and technology. The facility offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the technological advancements of the time.
  14. Westphalian Bell Museum Gescher14

    Westphalian Bell Museum Gescher

     Gescher
    The Westphalian Bell Museum is situated in the charming municipality of Gescher, which is part of the Borken district in the Münster administrative district. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the region while also enjoying the unique exhibits of the museum.
  15. Westpreußisches Landesmuseum15

    Westpreußisches Landesmuseum

     Warendorf
    The West Prussian State Museum, originally opened in 1975 in the historic Drostenhof in Münster-Wolbeck, has been located in the Franciscan monastery in Warendorf since the end of 2014. This relocation has allowed the museum to continue its mission of preserving and presenting West Prussian cultural heritage in a new and more accessible location.
  16. Stadtmuseum Hattingen16

    Stadtmuseum Hattingen

     Hattingen
    The Stadtmuseum Hattingen, located in the Blankenstein district, was opened in 2001. It is housed in the old administrative buildings that were built between 1840 and 1904. The museum is situated in the heart of the village, in close proximity to the Blankenstein Castle and Gethmannschen Garten, making it a convenient location for tourists to visit.
  17. Eifelmuseum Blankenheim17

    Eifelmuseum Blankenheim

     Blankenheim
    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.
  18. Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum18

    Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum

     Ratingen
    The Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum (OSLM) in Ratingen is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Upper Silesia. It is run by the Stiftung Haus Oberschlesien, a private law foundation established in 1970. The museum is conveniently located directly opposite the old museum building, known as "Haus Oberschlesien", in Ratingen-Hösel. This is where the foundation currently has its headquarters.
  19. Clemens Sels Museum Neuss19

    Clemens Sels Museum Neuss

     Neuss
    The Clemens Sels Museum Neuss is an art museum situated in the city of Neuss. It is a modern multi-part building that houses a wide range of art collections from different periods and styles.
  20. Bonn Egyptian Museum20

    Bonn Egyptian Museum

     Bonn
    The Egyptian Museum of the University of Bonn is a part of the University of Bonn. It showcases a collection of original artifacts from Ancient Egypt, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of one of the world's oldest civilizations.
  21. Archaeological Museum21

    Archaeological Museum

     Münster
    The collection of the Archaeological Museum of the University of Münster primarily focuses on the Greek antiquity. The exhibits span from the geometric era (1000–700 BC) through the archaic era (700–500 BC), the classical period (500–300 BC), the late classical period in the 4th century BC, the Hellenistic era (300–30 BC), up to the Roman imperial era (27 BC – 476). This wide range of exhibits offers visitors a comprehensive overview of Greek antiquity.
  22. LVR-RömerMuseum22

    LVR-RömerMuseum

     Xanten
    The LVR-RömerMuseum Xanten was constructed over the foundations of the Basilica Thermarum, the entrance hall of the Roman city bath. This location in the LVR Archaeological Park Xanten (APX) allows visitors to experience the Roman finds in their original context, enhancing the historical significance of the exhibits.
  23. Schieferbergbau- und Heimatmuseum23

    Schieferbergbau- und Heimatmuseum

     Schmallenberg
    The Westphalian Slate Mining and Local History Museum Holthausen is situated in the district of Holthausen in Schmallenberg, within the Hochsauerlandkreis region. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of the area while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Hochsauerlandkreis.
  24. Kölnisches Stadtmuseum24

    Kölnisches Stadtmuseum

     Cologne
    The Kölnisches Stadtmuseum (Cologne CIty Museum) is a museum in Cologne that is housed in The Zeughaus, the city's former arsenal. The building was built between 1594 and 1606 and has served as a museum since 1958. It is built on the remains of the Roman city wall. Exhibits of the permanent exhibiti
  25. Stadtmuseum Bergkamen25

    Stadtmuseum Bergkamen

     Bergkamen
    The Stadtmuseum Bergkamen, established in 1965, is situated in the Oberaden district of the city of Bergkamen. This museum is a significant cultural center in Bergkamen, offering a rich collection of historical and contemporary exhibits.
  26. Gustav-Lübcke-Museum26

    Gustav-Lübcke-Museum

     Hamm
    The Gustav Lübcke Museum, located in Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, is a cultural-historical museum that was established in 1890. It was initially known as the Städtisches Museum Hamm until 1925. The museum is named after Gustav Lübcke, an art dealer and collector who donated his collection to the city of Hamm in 1917 and served as the museum's director. Since Lübcke's death in 1925, the museum has carried his name.
  27. Museum Menden27

    Museum Menden

     Menden (Sauerland)
    The Museum Menden, located in Menden (Sauerland), is a local history museum that was established by Friedrich Glunz in 1912. This makes it one of the oldest museums in Westphalia, a region rich in history and culture. The museum is a testament to the region's past, offering visitors a glimpse into the local history and traditions of Menden and the surrounding areas.
  28. Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte28

    Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte

     Balve
    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.
  29. Bergisches Museum für Bergbau, Handwerk und Gewerbe29

    Bergisches Museum für Bergbau, Handwerk und Gewerbe

     Bergisch Gladbach
    The Bergisches Museum for Mining, Crafts and Trade in Bergisch Gladbach offers a unique insight into the history of the region, particularly focusing on the former ore mining in the Bensberger Erzrevier. The museum also showcases the rural-craftsman lifestyles of the local population, with a special emphasis on the 19th and early 20th centuries. This provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to understand the historical context and way of life during these periods.
  30. Museum Wilnsdorf30

    Museum Wilnsdorf

     Wilnsdorf
    The Museum Wilnsdorf is a unique institution that is divided into two main sections: the 'Folklore Museum' and the 'Cultural History Meeting Place'. This structure allows the museum to offer a wide range of exhibits and experiences, catering to a variety of interests.
  31. Stadtmuseum31

    Stadtmuseum

     Lippstadt
    The Stadtmuseum Lippstadt is a regional museum situated in the heart of Lippstadt, North Rhine-Westphalia. The museum is located in a protected building on the market square in the old town of Lippstadt, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the region in a unique and historic setting.
  32. Diözesanmuseum32

    Diözesanmuseum

     Paderborn
    The museum is home to one of the most comprehensive and important collections of Christian art in Germany. With over 12,000 works that span around 1,000 years, visitors can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of religious art and history. The collection includes sculpture and goldsmith art from the Romanesque to the Baroque period.
  33. Römerthermen33

    Römerthermen

     Zülpich
    The Römerthermen Zülpich – Museum der Badekultur, which opened its doors in August 2008, is home to a remarkably well-preserved Roman thermal bath complex. This museum is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of the Romans, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the bathing culture of the ancient world.
  34. Stadtmuseum Bonn34

    Stadtmuseum Bonn

     Bonn
    The Stadtmuseum Bonn, established in 1989, is committed to showcasing Bonn's city and cultural history, as well as preserving and presenting its vast collection. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the city's past and its cultural evolution, making it a valuable destination for those interested in history and culture.
  35. StiftsMuseum Xanten35

    StiftsMuseum Xanten

     Xanten
    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.
  36. Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte36

    Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte

     Hagen
    The Wasserschloss Werdringen is a water castle located in Hagen Vorhalle, near the Ruhr on the Harkortsee below the Kaisberg. This historic site is not just a castle, but also houses the regional Archaeology Museum Hagen in one of its outbuildings. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in both history and archaeology.
  37. Religio - Westphalian Museum of Religious Culture37

    Religio - Westphalian Museum of Religious Culture

     Telgte
    The RELíGIO – Westfälisches Museum für religiöse Kultur in Telgte is a museum that primarily focuses on the religiosity of people in Westphalia, both in history and in the present. It provides a unique insight into the religious culture of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, culture, and religion.
  38. Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf38

    Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf

     Düsseldorf
    The Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf is a city-historical and urban-theoretical oriented museum in Düsseldorf. The museum is housed in the Palais Spee on the southern edge of the historic city center. This city museum of Düsseldorf hold a diverse collection of objects related to the city of Düsseldorf. The mu
  39. Kultur- und Stadthistorisches Museum Duisburg39

    Kultur- und Stadthistorisches Museum Duisburg

     Duisburg
    Kultur- und Stadthistorisches Museum Duisburg (The Culture and City History Museum) is a museum in Duisburg. The museum is dedicated to the city history of Duisburg and the folklore of the Lower Rhine. An important collection on the life's work of the mathematician and cartographer Gerhard Mercator
  40. Bible Museum Münster40

    Bible Museum Münster

     Münster
    The Bible Museum of the University of Münster is recognized as the most comprehensive museum dedicated to the history of the Bible in Germany. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and evolution of the Bible through its extensive collection.
  41. Gerichtsmuseum Bad Fredeburg41

    Gerichtsmuseum Bad Fredeburg

     Schmallenberg
    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.
  42. Gütersloh Town Museum42

    Gütersloh Town Museum

     Gütersloh
    The Stadtmuseum Gütersloh, also known as the Gütersloh Town Museum, is located in Gütersloh, Germany. The museum is dedicated to the history of the city and offers a comprehensive look into its past. It is a place where visitors can learn about the city's evolution, from its early beginnings to its current state.
  43. 43

    Stadtmuseum Euskirchen

     Kreis Euskirchen
    The Stadtmuseum Euskirchen offers a comprehensive display of the city's history, spanning from the Roman era to the present day. This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to delve into the rich past of Euskirchen and understand its evolution over centuries. The museum's exhibits include a variety of artifacts and historical objects that reflect the city's cultural and historical development.
  44. Weserrenaissance-Museum44

    Weserrenaissance-Museum

     Lemgo
    The Weserrenaissance-Museum, which opened its doors in 1986, is a unique institution dedicated to the art and cultural history of the 16th and early 17th centuries in Northern and Western Germany. It is situated in the historic Schloss Brake in Lemgo, North Rhine-Westphalia. The museum offers a deep dive into the Renaissance period, showcasing the cultural richness and artistic achievements of the era.
  45. Deutsches Höhlenmuseum45

    Deutsches Höhlenmuseum

     Iserlohn
    The Deutsches Höhlenmuseum Iserlohn, situated in the Grüne district of Iserlohn, holds the distinction of being the largest German museum dedicated to speleology. This museum offers a comprehensive exploration of caves and their associated sciences, making it a unique destination for those interested in geology, archaeology, and natural history.
  46. Stadtmuseum Bocholt46

    Stadtmuseum Bocholt

     Bocholt
    The Stadtmuseum Bocholt, opened in 1992, serves as a hub for history, art, and culture in the city of Bocholt. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city's rich heritage and cultural evolution over the years.
  47. Deutsches Werkzeugmuseum47

    Deutsches Werkzeugmuseum

     Remscheid
    The Deutsches Werkzeugmuseum boasts an extensive collection of tools spanning various millennia. The collection ranges from Stone Age tools to those of the 21st century, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of tools throughout history.
  48. Osthofentor Museum48

    Osthofentor Museum

     Soest
    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.
  49. Haus der Kamener Stadtgeschichte49

    Haus der Kamener Stadtgeschichte

     Kamen
    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.
  50. Museum Achse, Rad und Wagen50

    Museum Achse, Rad und Wagen

     Wiehl
    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.
  51. Freilichtmuseum Sachsenhof51

    Freilichtmuseum Sachsenhof

     Greven
    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.
  52. Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum Oerlinghausen52

    Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum Oerlinghausen

     Oerlinghausen
    The Archaeological Open-Air Museum Oerlinghausen (AFM Oerlinghausen) is located in the city of Oerlinghausen, situated in the Lippe district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in archaeology and history, offering a unique insight into the past through its various exhibits and reconstructions.