Dominikanerkirche (Dominican Church), Munster

The Dominican Church (Dominikanerkirche) is a striking blend of Baroque architecture and contemporary art, located in the heart of the Old Town. Originally constructed between 1708 and 1725 by the Dominican order, the church once formed part of a larger monastic complex. Though the monastery was dissolved during secularization in the early 19th century, the church building survived and was used for various purposes over the years. In 2017, it found new life as a contemporary exhibition space under the stewardship of the LWL-Museum of Art and Culture.

The church's architectural integrity has been carefully preserved, with its dramatic stucco ceiling, elegant columns, and spacious nave creating a visually compelling backdrop for modern installations. Its most notable transformation came with the permanent installation of Gerhard Richter’s monumental artwork Two Grey Double Mirrors (Zwei Graue Doppelspiegelungen ) in 2018. This large-scale piece of polished glass and mirror plays with light, space, and viewer perception, transforming the sacred interior into a place of quiet reflection and abstract meditation.

Visitors to the Dominican Church experience a rare juxtaposition: the solemn grandeur of a historic place of worship interwoven with minimalist, thought-provoking art. The church no longer functions as a religious institution but has become a cultural venue that encourages contemplation through visual experience. Entry is free, and exhibitions vary periodically, making it a worthwhile stop for both art lovers and those interested in the architectural legacy of Munster’s ecclesiastical history.