Suche
Mein Konto
Dawn of modernity: Wewelsburg shows the Weimar Republic!
Discover the exhibition “Departure into Modernity?” in the Wewelsburg District Museum, which illuminates the Weimar Republic in the Paderborn region. Visit the guided tours in July and find out more about this formative time. Admission free!
Dawn of modernity: Wewelsburg shows the Weimar Republic!
The air in Wewelsburg is filled with history and stories! On the occasion of the exciting anniversary exhibition "Departure into modernity? The Paderborner Land in the Weimar Republic" in the renowned Wewelsburg District Museum, light is now being shed on an era that illuminates many facets of the region between 1918 and 1933. As the Paderborn district reports, the exhibition starts today, July 8th, 2025, and runs until September 14th.
With a variety of exhibits and information, the exhibition provides a deep insight into the political, economic, social and cultural situation of the Paderborn region in the Weimar Republic. Wewelsburg, once a cultural center, has a lot to tell - especially given that this time has not been fully appreciated to this day. On several dates, including July 10th and 30th, as well as July 20th, curators are offering guided tours that allow visitors to delve even deeper into the subject matter.
Curator tours and special events
The tours begin in the foyer of the Historical Museum of the Paderborn Monastery. Registration is advisable as the number of participants is limited. Seats can be easily reserved online at wewelsburg.de. The great thing? Visiting the exhibition and the supporting program are free of charge!
The Wewelsburg itself is not only the setting for this contemporary historical exhibition, but also an architectural highlight. Built between 1603 and 1609 by Prince-Bishop Dietrich von Fürstenberg, the castle is in the impressive Weser Renaissance style and is unique in its triangular shape. High up on a mountain spur it lies majestically above the Almetal.
A look into history
The Wewelsburg District Museum not only houses the current anniversary exhibition, but also the impressive permanent exhibitions that focus on the history of the Paderborn region from the Stone Age to 1802. Visitors can admire rare exhibits here that provide insights into the lives of the clergy, the nobility and the population - including social outsiders - at the time. A highlight is the historic witch's cellar and the original condition of the old Hellweg from the 13th century.
The memorial and memorial site that deals with the dark side of Wewelsburg is particularly depressing. The topic here is how this castle was once intended to become the planned central meeting place for the SS in Germany. At least 1,285 prisoners lost their lives in the associated concentration camp due to the deplorable living and working conditions. The permanent exhibition “Ideology and Terror of the SS” therefore offers an honest look at these terrible crimes.
The Wewelsburg remains barrier-free accessible, with a few exceptions, and also offers special tours for people with disabilities or dementia, of course by arrangement.
This anniversary exhibition is an excellent opportunity to learn more about an exciting, often overlooked era and to discover the region's cultural treasures. Stop by and let yourself be enchanted by the history and the stories that Wewelsburg has to tell!