LWL Open-Air Museum Detmold – Forum Opening Festival

Four Years of Construction – An Architectural Prelude

The LWL Open-Air Museum Detmold – Germany's largest open-air museum with 90 hectares and around 120 historic buildings – is opening its long-awaited new Forum entrance and exhibition building on July 3rd, 2026. Four years of construction preceded the opening date. The Forum replaces the previous entrance building, integrates a new permanent exhibition, conference rooms, a museum shop, and gastronomy, and serves as a showcase for the museum towards the city of Detmold.

Three-Day Festival – Free Admission

To celebrate the opening, the museum is hosting a three-day festival from July 3rd to 5th, 2026. Special feature: Admission is free on all three days – they count towards the total of nine free admission days in 2026 that the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe grants annually for its institutions. A rare opportunity to explore the entire 90-hectare site free of charge (otherwise €12 regular).

Program Over Three Festival Days

The program is spread across the museum grounds with its themed areas: Paderborn Village, Sauerland Village, Münsterland, Tecklenburger Land, Wittgenstein:

• Friday, July 3rd, 2026: Official opening ceremony for the Forum in the morning, open doors from the afternoon onwards with opening tours, music in the Forum, presentation of the new permanent exhibition.
• Saturday, July 4th, 2026: Craft demonstrations in the historic buildings (pottery, bakery, forge, weaving), family program in the Krummes Haus, music in several courtyards, street food with Westphalian specialties.
• Sunday, July 5th, 2026: Grand Family Day with children's program, field tours with draft horses, hands-on activities, market stalls from regional producers, and a festive conclusion.

The Forum as an Architectural Statement

The new Forum building was planned by the LWL construction department together with commissioned architects and is integrated into the landscape at the entrance near the Krummes Haus. It houses a contemporary entrance hall, temporary exhibition space, conference and educational rooms, a café/restaurant, a new museum shop, and administrative offices. Goal: A bridge between the 21st century and the historic buildings on the grounds.

Background LWL Open-Air Museum

The LWL Open-Air Museum Detmold – operated by the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe – was founded in 1971 and brings together historic buildings from all over Westphalia, dating from the 16th to the 20th century. With around 250,000 visitors annually, it is one of the most visited open-air museums in Europe. Season opening: End of March to end of October.