© Münsterland e.V./Philipp Fölting
Gravenhorst Monastery
At the foot of the Teutoburg Forest, not far from the town of Hörstel, lies Gravenhorst Monastery, a former abbey of the Cistercian nuns. Surrounded by moors and orchards, the former convent with its church, convent buildings, mill and mill pond, bakery and brewery, imposing wall and historic bridges offers the image of an almost completely preserved convent complex: an absolute rarity in the northern part of Germany.
Origin in the Middle Ages
The history of the picturesque ensemble of buildings stretches far back into the past: in 1252, Konrad von Brochterbeck received permission from Osnabrück Bishop Bruno von Isenberg to found a convent for nuns of the Cistercian order in the Gravenhorst hamlet. Over the following centuries, the small convent was able to operate successfully and become an important spiritual centre for the surrounding area. The communal religious life of the Cistercian nuns was to continue for over 500 years. After numerous changes of ownership and conversions, the Steinfurt district took over the convent in the 1990s and developed a cultural utilisation concept: in 2004, the former convent was reopened as "DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst".
Let yourself be inspired
From monastery to art centre
Contemporary art within historic walls: Here at DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst, you can create art, design art, experience art and communicate art. Workshops, exhibitions, idea workshops, art projects and cultural events such as concerts, readings and theatre performances invite children, young people and adults to think, participate and experience.
Listening Journey | Kloster Gravenhorst
On this audio journey, learn about the history of the 13th century monastery complex. Sara Dietrich, now the director and curator of the Kunsthaus, also tells you exciting information about the art exhibitions in the house and why regionality is so important here. In addition, the question of all questions will be answered: What is behind the name DA?
MÜNSTERLAND BEWEGT | Gravenhorst Monastery
Insider tip: Picnic on a work of art
Picnic on a work of art© Kloster Gravenhorst / Sabine Herke
At the monastery you can experience art up close. Particular attention has been paid to physical well-being: Not only is there a permanently installed pick-up platform at the monastery, but since 2015 there have also been 15 site-specific and handmade picnic blankets by the Berlin artist An Seebach, which she made exclusively for the DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst. You can borrow the unusual, colourful blankets free of charge at the reception desk of the Kunsthaus and take them out into the countryside immediately. Each blanket is unique and will make your picnic an unforgettable art experience!
Map | Gravenhorst Monastery
Service & Offer
- Child-friendly
- Guided tours
- Gastronomy in the house
- 100 Castles Route
- Museum in the house
- Park by the house
- Fruit meadow at the house
- Picnic hotspot
Opening hours
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesday14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Wednesday14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Thursday14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Friday14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Saturday14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- Sunday11:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
- An Feiertagen gelten die Öffnungszeiten der Sonntage
Admission prices
- Free admission:0,00 €
- Individual admission prices for events
4 Tips for Gravenhorst Monastery
- Take time for a picnic in the park between Himmelstisch and Kreis.Spiel.Garten.
- Market magic, poetry slam and live concerts - exciting events can be found in and around the DA, Kunsthaus Gravenhorst at any time of year.
- On a bike tour to Bentlage Monastery you can experience two wonderful monasteries in one go.
- A great view of the "canal landscape" of the Dortmund-Ems Canal and the Mittelland Canal can be enjoyed at the "Wet Triangle".
Places of interest around Gravenhorst Monastery
As a highlight of the Münsterland castles and palaces region, I am open to all visitors and a real all-round experience. You are very welcome!
Castles & Palaces Münsterland App© Münsterland e.V.
Get your digital guide on your smartphone! Get to know the historic estates from a whole new perspective with interactive mini-games, personalised tours by AR guides, hand-picked insider tips and exciting audio tours! Download the app for free:
Accessibility tested" label© Reisen für Alle
The Gravenhorst Monastery is certified with the "Accessibility Tested" mark of the Germany-wide "Travelling for All" labelling system. This means that detailed and verified information on accessibility is available for all groups of people. In addition, the quality criteria for certain groups of people are partially or fully met. Further information is available on the website of the "Travel for All" initiative.
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Fabian Riediger
Spread the word! #münsterland #thegoodlife