Religio - The Westphalian Museum of Religious Culture

Today's museum was founded in 1934 as a pilgrimage and local history museum by Dr Paul Engelmeier. In addition to the nativity scene exhibitions that he initiated and which still take place today, it was mainly craft exhibitions and exhibitions on religious themes that characterised the museum's profile until the 1980s. It was only in the following decades that the nativity scene exhibitions during Advent and Christmas became so important that a separate building was constructed in 1994 to house the growing collection of nativity scenes. In the vernacular, the museum became a nativity scene museum. At the beginning of the 2000s, it was decided to reorganise the museum conceptually and to expand it regionally and thematically. The extensive collection on the history of piety and the special focus on people and their everyday lives led to a permanent exhibition for the first time. It is dedicated to religious practice in Westphalia and provides insights into the religions of the world.
The concept was presented to the public in 2012 under the new name "Relígio - Westphalian Museum of Religious Culture".
Following the emergency evacuation of the museum collection, which had been assembled over 90 years, during the flooding of the River Ems in December 2023, a unique opportunity arose to tell the history of the museum based on the collection.
The anniversary exhibition presents the rich museum collection in great abundance. Many objects are being shown in an exhibition for the first time. Visitors can also try out the new VR animation on the Telgte Hunger Shroud. The modern staging of thematic groups of objects, old and new exhibits in dialogue, a display depot and a look into the future make the transformation from a museum of local history to a modern, scientifically managed museum of religion visible.

The Telgte History Days take their guests on a journey through the historical events of the town of Telgte and the prince-bishopric of Münster.

Bishop Rudolf of Utrecht, who will take centre stage on the Planwiese, granted the village of Telgeth town rights in 1238. After that, history took its course. From a variety of market stalls to a pilgrimage town. Music and jugglers are also provided.

The ANNO festival endeavours to portray medieval life as authentically as possible.

On the occasion of the Mariä-Geburts market every September, the magnificent small town of Telgte in the heart of Münsterland once again turns into a colourful attraction.

The Mariä-Geburts market offers residents and visitors everything their hearts desire: all kinds of goods are on sale from dawn on the large meadow in Telgte. From household appliances, textiles and food to useful tools and machines for the farm and garden to small animals and horses, including accessories.
In addition to the traditional handshake trade, you can also watch the animals in action. The riding and driving club "Gustav-Rau" Westbevern e.V. spares no effort and organises a riding tournament of superlatives!
At the fair on the occasion of the Mariä-Geburts-Markt, young and old will find entertainment at the various rides, snack and action stalls.

The town invites all those interested to be part of this traditional event and thus extend the summer by a few more days!

Open Sunday from 1 - 6 pm