On a site of 90 hectares of cultivated landscape the LWL Open-Air Museum in Detmold gives an overview of the development and the changes of Westphalian everyday and cultural history. Rural life style as well as ancient houses and farms bear traces of more than 500 years of Westphalian history.

The more economical and social developments advance, the more we need explanations in order to understand: Our staff, taking care of the houses, provide answers to the visitors’ questions, guided tours of particular houses, like the Allagen Vicarage or the “Schönhof”, explain life stories from tradesmen up to pastors. In the “Haus zum Anfassen” (touchable house) everything - from a canopied bed to a butter churn – is accessible to your own experience.

Various work processes are demonstrated in nature, in particular buildings and in workshops: From coffee roasting to ploughing, from sowing to shoemaking – depending on time and occasion visitors gain insights into a variety of working methods: Millers work in the two windmills of the museum and in the village bakery there is a smell of fresh bread ...

Rather uncommon insights into the life of former generations are presented in the “Haus der Gefühle” (house of feelings). The artistic character of its “Raum der Schatten” (room of shadows) and other rooms offers a creative approach to the biography of former inhabitants. When you continue your way through the museum - no matter whether you are just walking around or seeking information about the Westphalian “Totleger” - we are at your disposal.