Architecture

The first buildings of the Abbey of the Grey Friars were built here just after 1250. During the Protestant Reformation the town took possession of the monastery. The first town school was built on the foundation walls of the old minster between 1793 and 1795. Architect was no-one less than J.G.Quistorp. He was the art master of Caspar David Friedrich. The building was altered short after the opening and today it accommodates the picture gallery. One of the most modern nursing homes of its day was built right next to the school in 1845. The name of the old abbey “Abbey of the Grey Friar”, after the color of the monks ‘cowl, was adopted by the old nursing home.

Today it is the main building of the museum complex and accommodates the permanent exhibition about the history of the Earth and the history of Pomerania. It is also host to the services area with a Café, a shop and a lounge. The area around the medieval minster accommodates the educational department of the museum and hosts special exhibitions. The multifunctional arch made out of glass and steel forms the frame for all historical buildings. We call it “Museumsstraße” (road of the museum). It houses now the event and conference area. The former area of the Abbey of the Grey Friar next to the town wall is today together with the monastic gardens and the generous forecourt back to its old glory. So it is today an organically evolved place with many different faces which is open to a wide audience for different occasions. Museum and more! <<< back