Permanent Exhibition

Horses and Men in Westphalia

The Exhibition

1,000 square meters of exhibition space are dedicated to the natural and cultural history of the horse in Westphalia along with an array of other subjects on the horse.

Horse and Man

The horse in 50,000,000 years

Well-proportioned and Misshapen

The vision of the 'perfect' horse has occupied mankind for a long time. But what characterizes a perfect horse? The exhibition shows century-old ideas of the 'well-proportioned' and 'misshapen' horse as well as the preserved body of Polydor, one of the most successful stallions of our time. Together, they reflect the varied relationship between man and horse.

   The famous stallion "Polydor"

Unbroken and Fenced In

The true wild horse is extinct in Europe. The wild horses of today still roam freely but not without influence from humans. This part of the exhibition provides insights into the preserves of Westphalia in which the Westphalian horse breeding has its roots. Today, the Dülmener herd is the only proof of the erstwhile diversity of wild horses in the Merfelder Bruch. Unique exhibits representing Emscherbrücher horses, which died out in the 19th century, remind us of the times of the traditional horse catching in Westphalia.

  Wild horses in the Merfelder Bruch

Nature and Manner

What does a horse see and taste? How intelligent is it? How much sleep does it need? This part of the exhibition answers these and further questions. Beginning with the behavioral traits of the horse, the visitor experiences the world from a horse's perspective. A 'horse in slices' displays the anatomy of the horse. In a light-hearted 'human-horse' comparison, the visitor learns about the uniqueness of the anatomy of the horse and thus gains a better understanding of this living creature.

   Anatomy of the horse

Ideals and Potential

Westphalia has produced an unusually high number of successful horses suited for sports. But what is behind the business of 'breeding'? The exhibition looks behind the scenes of regional as well as independent studs and further presents documentation on pedigree history. Methods of successful breeding are shown in their historical context: from natural to artificial fertilization.

Gains and Losses

In circuses, in the field, at war, or down in the mines: Horses were indispensable. At the beginning of the last century, mail carriages typified the everyday town scene. With increasing motorization after World War II, horses became superfluous. The picture of a mining horse, fastened in a harness and ready for the transport into the mine, reminds us of the extreme conditions under which horses often had to work and live.

Horses and Riders

Westphalia has more than 500 riding clubs and is considered to be a major center for equestrian sports. This section of the exhibition gives an overview of the many disciplines making horse riding so fascinating. At interactive "saddle stations," visitors can experience how firm they are in the saddle. Computer animations link the interaction between horse and rider and thus provide a taste of the art of horse riding.

Riding simulators

Westphalian Olymp

Stockholm, 1956: The unforgettable story of how Halla carried the injured Hans-Günter Winkler over the fences to Olympic gold. The 'Hall of Fame' honors Westphalia's top riders and top horses. Medals, personal objects, and film clips restore the spirit of Olympia. They tell stories of successes and the glory that go hand in hand with these riders and horses.

"With this unusual concept we enter new territory in terms of the museum landscape: The interaction of exhibition, arena, and horse park in the Allwetterzoo Münster offers the visitors different approaches to the topic horse. To link horse events with the exhibition, together with the planned Children and Horse Park, promises to be an exiting museum experience for young and old." (Sybill Ebers, Director of the Museum)

“The concept places value on the impressive, surprising, and descriptive combination of exhibits and media. The visual and sensual attractions of the exhibition are directed towards adults, children, and teenagers and include a sophisticated encounter with the living animal horse for the younger visitors.” (Dr. Ulrich Herrmanns, Concept of the Museum)