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".

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

To activate this YouTube video, you must agree to the marketing cookies.

The best experiences at Gravenhorst Abbey

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!

Learn more

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

Öffnungszeiten vom 01.01. to 31.12.
  • Monday
    closed
  • Tuesday
    14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
  • Wednesday
    14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
  • Thursday
    14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
  • Friday
    14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
  • Saturday
    14:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
  • Sunday
    11:00 Uhr bis 18:00 Uhr
  • On public holidays the opening hours of Sundays apply

Admission prices

  • Free admission:
    0,00 €
  • Individual admission prices for events

Events at Gravenhorst Monastery

Properties
Types
3 Matches.
Oct
17
Sat
Art in the Region 26 Contemporary Art Exhibition – Opening
17.10.2026, 16:00 17.10.2026, ca.17:30
DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst, Hörstel
Organiser: DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst
Exhibition
Art

With the exhibition “Art in the Region”, Steinfurt District provides a regular platform every two years for contemporary artists from the Münsterland, the EUREGIO region and the Osnabrück area. A rotating panel of expert judges selects the works for the autumn exhibition, which brings current themes and artistic approaches by regional artists to a wide audience. The exhibition at the Kunsthaus features sculptures, installations, media art, photography, painting and graphic art.

Time
17.10.2026, 16:00 17.10.2026, ca.17:30
Location
Prices
Eintritt
  • Eintritt frei: 0
further information less information
Oct
27
Tue
Film off! Film workshop for children and young people
27.10.2026, 10:00 30.10.2026, ca.13:00
DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst, Hörstel
Organiser: DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst
Workshop

Young film fans, take note! During the autumn half-term holidays, the popular film workshop at the DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst, is back for another round. Once again, you’ll have the chance to gain your first experiences in front of and behind the camera and to shoot your very own short film together.

On the first day, we’ll brainstorm what the film should be about and write a short script based on this idea. In keeping with this year’s theme at the DA, Kunsthaus, the focus will be on ‘colours’. You’ll then learn how to bring your script to life using the camera, sound and lighting. You’ll also receive valuable tips on acting in front of the camera. On the second day, we’ll say ‘action’ and start shooting our film. Depending on your interests, you can take on various roles, such as acting, working behind the camera or operating the boom mic. On the third day, you’ll receive a brief introduction to post-production and edit your film.

The workshop takes place on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm, and on Friday from 10 am to 1 pm.

The participation fee is 25 euros, which includes all materials, snacks and drinks, and is payable by invoice. The meeting point is the foyer of the DA, Kunsthaus.

As places are limited, registration is required by 22 October at the latest – by telephone on 02551 694217 or by email to da-kunsthaus@kreis-steinfurt.de. When registering, please briefly indicate which areas – screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting or editing – you are particularly interested in (multiple selections are possible).

Time
27.10.2026, 10:00 30.10.2026, ca.13:00
Location
Opening hours
Film workshop
  • Monday
    closed
  • Tuesday
    closed
  • Wednesday
    10:00 Uhr bis 16:00 Uhr
  • Thursday
    10:00 Uhr bis 16:00 Uhr
  • Friday
    closed
  • Saturday
    closed
  • Sunday
    closed
Prices
Teilnahmegebühr
  • normal: 25
further information less information
Nov
12
Thu
saxyarpa Concert as part of the ‘Art in the Region’ exhibition
12.11.2026, 19:00 12.11.2026, ca.21:30
DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst, Hörstel
Organiser: DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst
concert

Virtuosic, danceable, entertaining – that’s the acoustic trio saxyarpa from Hamburg. Having already wowed the Gravenhorst audience at last year’s summer festival in the Klosterpark, they are now returning to Hörstel for a concert in the unique setting of the main hall and the ‘Art in the Region’ exhibition.

When Manuel Beutke (cajón/percussion), Johannes Köppen (saxophone) and Alberto Sanchez (harp) come together musically, magic happens. From the apparent contrasts of soul, pop, folk, flamenco and jazz, they create a sound that is entirely their own and unmistakable. Whether saxyarpa are playing their own songs or interpreting other people’s compositions, their shared passion and love enable them to create something entirely new. Music full of beauty and life – music you may recognise, but have never heard quite like this before.

Time
12.11.2026, 19:00 12.11.2026, ca.21:30
Location
Prices
Tickets

Der Vorverkauf beginnt am 6. Oktober. Tickets sind im Foyer des DA, Kunsthaus Kloster Gravenhorst (Zahlung nur mit EC-Karte möglich) erhältlich. Es besteht die Möglichkeit, unter 02551 6942-15 Karten vorzubestellen. Diese müssen am Veranstaltungstag bis 17.30 Uhr abgeholt werden. Danach gilt der Abendkassenpreis.

  • Vorverkauf: 12
  • Abendkasse: 15
further information less information
Load more

4 Tips for Gravenhorst Monastery

  • Take time for a picnic in the park between Himmelstisch and Kreis.Spiel.Garten.
  • Market magic, poetry slams and live concerts: you'll find exciting events in and around the DA, Kunsthaus Gravenhorst at any time of year.
  • On a cycle tour to Bentlage Monastery, you can experience two wonderful monasteries in one go.
  • You have a great view of the "canal landscape" of the Dortmund-Ems Canal and Mittelland Canal at the "Wet Triangle".

Places of interest around Gravenhorst Monastery

Properties
Types
I am a yellow castle

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.
App to the Münsterland Castles and Palaces Region

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! Further information on the content and development of the app can be found here.

Download the app for free:

Accessibility tested" label
© Reisen für Alle
Accessibility at Gravenhorst Monastery

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.

Your questions about Gravenhorst Monastery

Yes, there is a free car park directly at Gravenhorst Monastery.

Yes, you can visit the interior of Gravenhorst Abbey as part of a museum visit. You can visit the outside area at any time.

Yes, the park at Gravenhorst Monastery is accessible at all times. Admission is free.

Close Contact & Info
Close