The Most Beautiful Museums and Exhibitions
Tech enthusiasts, culture lovers, and history buffs will also find plenty to enjoy in the Sauerland. We’ve put together a list of the best museums and exhibitions for you here.
Sauerland Museum in Arnsberg:
The Sauerland Museum explores the history of the former Duchy of Westphalia—commonly known as the "Kurkölnisches Sauerland"—from its beginnings to the present day. The region’s history, spanning from the Paleolithic era to the present, is brought to life through multimedia stations, films, and vivid exhibits. What does “Kurkölnisch” actually mean, and what impact does it still have on us today? What was daily life like in the Sauerland during the Nazi era? And how much of the Stone Age still remains in us? Visit the Sauerland Museum!
Holthausen Slate Mining and Local History Museum:
It all began in 1974 in three small basement rooms at the elementary school in Schmallenberg-Holthausen. A small group of enthusiasts began collecting, displaying, and preserving artifacts. Many exhibits from those displays have remained in the museum and offer a fascinating glimpse into the regional history of the Electoral Cologne Sauerland. In addition, the adjacent “South Westphalian Gallery” displays regional art from the 19th and 20th centuries. This now also presents the topic of art in South Westphalia in an engaging way.
Curioseum Willingen:
Experience Hans Schlömer’s world—everything he has built, used, worn, bought, and collected over the course of his life! With plenty of kitsch, art, and odds and ends, an exhibition has been curated featuring items that can only be seen here on this planet. However, there is no end in sight to his passion for collecting, as his long-suffering staff can attest. Anyone who joins him on a guided tour will have plenty of anecdotes to share afterward about his collection and the Curioseum.
Galileo Park:
Perched high above the Lenne Valley and visible from afar are the Sauerland Pyramids, now a secret landmark of the Sauerland region. In four of the seven pyramids, Galileo Park—a science and puzzle park—delights its guests with interesting and extraordinary exhibitions. Knowledge is conveyed in an entertaining yet thought-provoking way, sparking interest in new topics. In doing so, Galileo Park presents both scientific and “puzzling” topics—factual, objective, open, and non-judgmental.
The Maste-Barendorf Historic Factory Complex:
Village and Factory – Nature and Industry. Apparent opposites come together in Barendorf, the industrial and cultural landmark in northern Iserlohn. Where brass was cast and wire drawn in the 19th century, there now stands an artists’ and museum village featuring numerous cultural events throughout the seasons, dining options, and a registry office. In 1981, the city of Iserlohn took over the building complex, which had fallen into disrepair, and restored it for use as a museum. A packed annual program and attractive artist studios have transformed the former industrial site into a cultural destination known far beyond the region.
Attendorn Fire Department Museum:
The museum vividly illustrates the history of the fire service. In addition to fascinating information on firefighting and fire prevention, equipment, badges, tools, and historic fire trucks await amazed visitors. Numerous exhibits from all over the world are also on display.
The Südsauerland Museum:
The Südsauerland Museum, located in the heart of Attendorn’s Old Town, traces its origins to the collection activities of the local heritage association, now known as the Association for Local History and Culture. A museum dedicated to the art and cultural history of the Olpe district. The Südsauerland Museum sees itself as an extracurricular learning center and seeks cooperation with schools, adult education centers, universities, and other educational institutions. Learn about the history of the old town hall in Attendorn, the current location of the Südsauerland Museum.
Phänomenta Lüdenscheid:
Discover the first science center in North Rhine-Westphalia! 180 interactive exhibits and a few extras await you when you visit Phänomenta in Lüdenscheid. Explore your facial topography with friends or the whole family, dive into a soap bubble, and mix colors and sounds like a DJ! Across 4,000 square meters, you can try everything out for yourself and enjoy an unforgettable experience for the whole family, as a couple, or even on your own!
Wendener Hütte Museum:
The Wendener Hütte Museum offers visitors a unique insight into the history of iron technology in southern Westphalia. In this technical cultural monument, visitors of all ages can experience firsthand the production process from the raw material iron ore to pig iron. Technology enthusiasts can also explore the ingenious system of tunnels that ensured the plant’s water supply and thus provided the energy needed for its operations. As a technical and ecological learning center, the Wendener Hütte also offers guided tours on the history of iron and natural history topics.