The cultural development of large parts of Europe is inevitably linked to Christian art production. Images of the Virgin Mary, icons, festive altars, liturgical vestments and other testimonies of faith have also left their mark on North Rhine-Westphalia. Since its foundation in 1853, the Diocesan Museum in Paderborn has dedicated itself entirely to the collection, preservation and conservation of these masterfully crafted treasures. It regularly presents special gems in special exhibitions that attract attention far beyond East Westphalia.
Originally conceived as a rescue station for Christian art, the museum has developed over the decades into a veritable treasure trove of treasures, now housing over 12,000 exhibits and the cathedral treasury. From highlights of medieval and baroque sculpture, painting, textiles, books and goldsmiths' art, the rooms on Paderborn's market square range from simple objects of popular customs. The journey through cultural history takes you from the middle of the 11th century to the end of the 20th century.
A real eye-catcher and crowd-puller on a tour of the permanent exhibition is the Libori altar from 1736 in the light-flooded main room. Four floating angel statues and four allegorical statues still remain from the shrine, which was originally set up in the central nave of Paderborn Cathedral to mark the 900th anniversary of the transfer of the relics of St. Liborius. The latter, as graceful female figures, embody faith, hope and the veneration of the High Abbey of Paderborn and St. Liborius.
Anyone who has taken a closer look at the jewel and identified the many details and characteristic attributes of the allegories will also discover the so-called Imad Madonna just a few exhibits away. What is striking about it is that this wooden sculpture, which is one of the oldest large-figure representations of the Madonna enthroned, was made entirely from a single trunk of lime wood. When looking at the information board, visitors learn that it dates back to the middle of the 11th century, a time when Marian devotion was on the rise.
Culture fans who spend a whole day in Paderborn should definitely make a detour to the neighboring cathedral after visiting the diocesan museum. In the immediate vicinity are the Paderborn Theater, the Museum of City History and Paderborn Town Hall, which is a prime example of Weser Renaissance architecture thanks to its three gables. Last but not least, you can take a break surrounded by greenery at the Pader springs to process the impressions you have gained.
