Münster Palace

Münster Palace (Schloss Münster) is the former residence of the prince-bishops of Münster and today the main building of the University of Münster. Designed by the Westphalian Baroque architect Johann Conrad Schlaun, its red-brick and sandstone facade is one of the city's most photographed sights. A vast square stretches in front and a landscaped park with a botanical garden lies behind, all free to explore.

Where it is and how to get there

Münster is a lively university city in northwestern Germany, about 60 km north of Dortmund and under two hours by train from Cologne. Regional trains accept the Deutschlandticket. The palace sits on the western edge of the old town, roughly a 10-minute walk from the cathedral; buses from the main station stop nearby at Landgericht or Neutor. Public parking is available on the palace square except during fairs.

History in brief

Prince-Bishop Maximilian Friedrich von Königsegg-Rothenfels commissioned the palace, which was built between 1767 and 1787. After Schlaun's death in 1773, Wilhelm Ferdinand Lipper completed the work. Bombing in 1941 and 1945 gutted the interior, leaving only the outer walls. The building was reconstructed after the war and has housed the university since 1954.

What to see

• The main facade: Schlaun's signature mix of red brick and pale sandstone, crowned by an elaborate carved pediment with the prince-bishop's coat of arms.
• The palace square: venue for the Send, Münster's traditional funfair, and a summer show-jumping tournament.
• The palace gardens: originally laid out in French style and later turned into an English landscape park.
• The Botanical Garden: the university's garden and greenhouses directly behind the palace.

Opening hours and tickets

The palace is a working university building, so the interior is generally open only for events. The grounds are freely accessible. The Botanical Garden is free and open daily, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from mid-March to mid-October and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter (as of October 2026).

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, as part of a walk through Münster. You will not see Baroque state rooms here, but the facade and gardens are beautiful, especially at cherry blossom time in spring or at sunset. Allow 30 minutes to two hours depending on how long you linger in the gardens.

Nearby

• Lake Aasee: a large city lake with a waterfront promenade just south of the gardens.
• St. Paul's Cathedral and Prinzipalmarkt: the historic heart of Münster, about ten minutes on foot.
• LWL Museum of Natural History and Planetarium: by the Aasee, an easy bike ride away.