Cultural diversity up close

Nestled against the mighty tower of the parish church of Ss. Cosmas and Damian, the time-honored Liesborn Abbey lies in the heart of the village. Originally founded as a convent for ladies, it developed into one of the most important monasteries in the diocese of Münster. Since 1966, the former monastery has housed the lively Liesborn Abbey Museum, which, with its impressive collection, is one of the most important museums in Westphalia. Exhibitions, concerts, lectures, museum festivals, markets, guided tours and museum educational programs take place here throughout the year. The Baroque ambience of the former Benedictine abbey houses works from the region as well as Flemish and Dutch landscape and architectural paintings from the Baroque period. Westphalian domestic culture of the Baroque period, Classicism and Biedermeier are also presented here. Modern art also finds its place here. Legend has it that the monastery was founded in 815 by Charlemagne, who appointed his own sister Roswindis, the first abbess of the convent, as head of the canonesses. More likely is a foundation at the end of the 9th century by two noble benefactors. The steeple of the convent church still stands today as an architectural witness of the ladies' time.