Zwinger, Munster

The Zwinger (literally “Kennel” in German) is a former defensive tower in Münster, dating back to the Early modern period. The estimated time of its construction (given the lack of clear evidence) ranges roughly between 1528 and 1535. At the original height of 8.75 meters, with 24.3 meters in diameter and an outer wall thickness of about 1.95 meters, this tower was one of the strongest elements of the old fortification system, once respectfully referred to as Dat grote Bollwerk (“that Big Bulwark”).

Starting from 1619, there were plans to turn it into a prison, however, this was not implemented until more than 100 years later. Meanwhile, a horse mill for grinding black powder was set up here, in 1635. According to historical records, it was only in 1732 that the Zwinger was used as a penitentiary facility – a remand prison.

The tower received a monument status in 1900. During the Nazi era, it first housed a cultural center for the Münster branch of the Hitler-Jugend (Hitler Youth) organization, and then, from 1944, was used as a Gestapo detention center. During that period, Soviet forced laborers and prisoners of war were executed here routinely, inside the inner courtyard. In the spring of 1945, the building was partially destroyed by Allied bombing, with only a few parts of the original structure surviving.

After the war, the tower fell into disrepair. Fortunately, in 1987, it was saved from ruin thanks to the sculptural installation project – “The Contrasting Concert” – by Rebecca Horn, which brought the Zwinger into the public spotlight and accelerated its recovery. In 1989, the project was made a permanent memorial, under the auspices of the Stadtmuseum Münster (Münster City Museum), set to commemorate the victims who died at the Zwinger during the Nazi regime.

The tower is now open to the public, from April to October, with a guided tour offered on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, it can be visited every third Thursday of the month, at 8 pm. Also, from June to September, the place is open for viewing every Sunday between 2 pm and 6 pm.