The Falkenhof Museum reopens – Admission is free
Since today the Falkenhof Museum Rheine is open again after repair works. From now on, an important change applies: admission to the permanent exhibition is free, on every opening day and for visitors of all generations. This was explained by Christiane Kerrutt, research assistant at the municipal museums.
How it all began
The Falkenhof is considered the origin of the city of Rheine. Over a thousand years old, the courtyard complex, now used as a museum, leads deep into the past of the Ems city. In 838, Emperor Louis the Pious donated the farm, then called “Villa Reni”, to the imperial abbey in Herford, which from then on leased it to noble families. Through the tenant family of Valke, the estate received its name in the 14th century. About 200 years later, the well-known Westphalian noble family von Morrien moved in and led the estate into its heyday: they had the complex rebuilt into a baroque three-winged complex with an open staircase and a characteristic dove fountain, thus giving it its present elegant appearance.
A modern museum in a historic nobleman’s courtyard
Today, the Falkenhof is one of the most versatile and interesting museums in the Münsterland region, where not only Westphalian aristocratic culture is brought back to life: For example, the impressive Morriensaal with its rare painted wooden ceiling from the early 17th century recalls the history of the house. The attic, which once served as a granary, now houses an extensive graphic arts collection. Art from the Middle Ages to the modern age is displayed in the “Kasimir Hagen Collection,” which goes back to a private collector. The city history department provides insights into the development of Rheine with many original testimonies: from early archaeological finds to modern paintings by the Rheine-born artist Carlo Mense. Rooms with very different atmospheres, unusual exhibits and two interactive media stations invite visitors to explore and discover at length.
The greatest treasure – a pile of broken glass
When the final renovations to the Falkenhof were being prepared in the run-up to the REGIONALE 2004, excavations revealed underground passages. They dated back to the 17th century and served as a canal system. They were also used by the inhabitants as waste pits. Now, however, it was not so much waste as real treasures that were found there – an archaeological spectacle. From the branching canal system, 21,000 shards and fragments of glass, ceramics, porcelain, metal, wood and leather were recovered, restored and researched. Today they are exhibited in the vaulted cellar of the Falkenhof and provide a unique insight into the former life of the noble inhabitants of the house.
Resolution of the Kutur Committee
The Cultural Committee of the City of Rheine has decided to grant free admission to the permanent exhibitions, initially for a trial period of three years, in all three municipal museums. Special exhibitions and offers such as public or private guided tours will continue to be subject to a charge. The city of Rheine is a pioneer in the region with this cultural policy. Barriers to visiting museums are to be removed; the doors of the museums will open wider to new visitors, including young visitors, and to people from all social groups. But regular visitors and “chance visitors” such as tourists on the Ems Cycle Path will also benefit. After all, it is now worthwhile to go to the museum for a short flying visit, even if you perhaps only want to look at a single work of art or get an initial overview of the collections. The free admission is accompanied by a wide range of educational activities.
Address
Falkenhof Museum – Tiefe Straße 22 – 48431 Rheine
Opening hours
Tue – Sat 14 – 18 h and Sun 10 – 18 h
Easter days
Good Friday and Holy Saturday 14 – 18 h/ Easter Sunday and Easter Monday 10 – 18 h
Contact
Visitor’s Office of the Rheine Municipal Museums
Tel. 05971 – 920610