Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in North Rhine – Westphalia:
1Neanderthal Museum
ErkrathThe 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. 2Academic Art Museum
BonnThe 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. 3Schokoladenmuseum Köln
CologneThe 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 4Roman-German Museum
CologneThe 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 5LWL-Museum in der Kaiserpfalz
PaderbornThe 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. 6Hürten Heimatmuseum
Bad MünstereifelThe 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. 7Stadtmuseum Siegburg
SiegburgThe 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. 8Rhinish Regional Museum Bonn
BonnThe 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. 9Leopold-Hoesch-Museum
DurenThe 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. 10Aliso (Roman camp)
Haltern am SeeAliso, 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. 11LWL Museum of Archeology
HerneThe 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. 12Lippisches Landesmuseum
DetmoldThe 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. 13Luisenhütte
BalveThe 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. 14Westphalian Bell Museum Gescher
GescherThe 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. 15Westpreußisches Landesmuseum
WarendorfThe 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. 16Stadtmuseum Hattingen
HattingenThe 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. 17Eifelmuseum Blankenheim
BlankenheimThe 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. 18Oberschlesisches Landesmuseum
RatingenThe 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. 19Clemens Sels Museum Neuss
NeussThe 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. 20Bonn Egyptian Museum
BonnThe 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. 21Archaeological Museum
MünsterThe 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. 22LVR-RömerMuseum
XantenThe 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. 23Schieferbergbau- und Heimatmuseum
SchmallenbergThe 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. 24Kölnisches Stadtmuseum
CologneThe 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 25Stadtmuseum Bergkamen
BergkamenThe 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. 26Gustav-Lübcke-Museum
HammThe 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. 27Museum 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. 28Museum für Vor- und Frühgeschichte
BalveThe 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. 29Bergisches Museum für Bergbau, Handwerk und Gewerbe
Bergisch GladbachThe 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. 30Museum Wilnsdorf
WilnsdorfThe 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. 31Stadtmuseum
LippstadtThe 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. 32Diözesanmuseum
PaderbornThe 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. 33Römerthermen
ZülpichThe 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. 34Stadtmuseum Bonn
BonnThe 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. 35StiftsMuseum Xanten
XantenThe 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. 36Museum für Ur- und Frühgeschichte
HagenThe 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. 37Religio - Westphalian Museum of Religious Culture
TelgteThe 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. 38Stadtmuseum Düsseldorf
DüsseldorfThe 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 39Kultur- und Stadthistorisches Museum Duisburg
DuisburgKultur- 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 40Bible Museum Münster
MünsterThe 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. 41Gerichtsmuseum Bad Fredeburg
SchmallenbergThe 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. 42Gütersloh Town Museum
GüterslohThe 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
Stadtmuseum Euskirchen
Kreis EuskirchenThe 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. 44Weserrenaissance-Museum
LemgoThe 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. 45Deutsches Höhlenmuseum
IserlohnThe 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. 46Stadtmuseum Bocholt
BocholtThe 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. 47Deutsches Werkzeugmuseum
RemscheidThe 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. 48Osthofentor Museum
SoestThe 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. 49Haus der Kamener Stadtgeschichte
KamenThe 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. 50Museum Achse, Rad und Wagen
WiehlThe 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. 51Freilichtmuseum Sachsenhof
GrevenThe 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. 52Archäologisches Freilichtmuseum Oerlinghausen
OerlinghausenThe 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.