Discovering the sacred - marvelling, being inspired, understanding
For most people today, encountering the sacred or divine is unbelievable, but for believers it is an incredibly fascinating experience. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the sacred in the past and present - not just as a religious concept, but as a dimension that points beyond the everyday. Individual and secular ideas are also included.
Personal "shrines" and spiritual diversity
An impressive installation of personal "shrines" from private households in Westphalia illustrates the variety of ways in which people interpret the sacred today - figures of saints and religious images, but also the guitar or a child's first shoes are considered sacred today. Prominent Westphalians have also contributed objects to the installation. Sacred or profane? These are no longer opposites.
A journey through time and worlds of faith
Embark on an exciting journey through different eras and religious traditions. Discover pre-Christian places of worship and Christian pilgrimage sites, the veneration of saints, religious rituals and modern spiritual practices. The exhibition shows the Christian character of Westphalia, Jewish traditions and the religious diversity of the present day. The sacred proves to be a common foundation of all religions.
This is also shown by the holy scriptures. The exhibition presents Bible editions that were printed and distributed in Westphalia. The Jewish Torah and Korans are also on display, including a historical translation of the Koran from a Westphalian monastery. Valuable writings and extraordinary altars come from the collections of the University of Münster.
Art as a gateway to transcendence
The exhibition concludes with a special encounter: the paintings of Miriam Vlaming, a contemporary artist who is regarded as the most important female representative of the so-called New Leipzig School. The works illustrate how art - especially non-objective painting - can provide access to transcendence and the sacred.
Get involved!
Visitors can get active at various points, at a voting station about holidays or a smelling station about sacred scents. Share your own experiences in a book wall or help weave a holy mood picture.
A unique exhibition for believers and non-believers that inspires and connects!
The project "Unbelievable. Encounters with the Holy" is funded by the LWL Cultural Foundation as part of the cultural programme for the anniversary year 2025 "1250 Years of Westphalia". The patron of the cultural programme is Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The project is also sponsored by the Sparkasse Münsterland Ost foundation.
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