Dominikanerkirche

In the heart of Münster, nestled along the bustling Salzstraße, stands the Dominikanerkirche, a testament to the city’s rich historical tapestry and architectural beauty. This church, with its intriguing past and striking design, offers visitors a glimpse into the Baroque splendor and the shifting sands of history that have shaped it over the centuries.

The Historical Tapestry of Dominikanerkirche

The origins of the Dominikanerkirche date back to the early 18th century when it was constructed as part of a larger Dominican monastery complex. The church was built between 1705 and 1725, based on the designs of the renowned architect Lambert Friedrich Corfey. Consecrated in 1728, it was dedicated to Saint Joseph and served as a convent church for the Dominican order until the early 19th century.

With the secularization wave sweeping across Europe, the Dominican monastery was dissolved in 1811, and the church found itself under Prussian state control. The building was repurposed for military use in 1826, and later, in 1880, it was acquired by the city of Münster. By 1889, it had begun a new chapter as a school church for the city’s Realgymnasium, now known as Ratsgymnasium.

The church suffered extensive damage during World War II, and its restoration was a laborious process that stretched until 1974. Today, while the monastery is mostly gone, a single wall stands as a silent witness to its storied past, adjacent to the church’s sandstone façade.

Architectural Marvels

The Dominikanerkirche is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, characterized by its elevated nave, transept, and two lower aisles. The nave and transept rise majestically to a height of 15.7 meters, while the entire church stretches approximately 42 meters, including the choir area.

A defining feature of the church is its baroque dome, which elegantly crowns the crossing. The dome is round on the inside, with a diameter of about 9 meters, and octagonal on the outside, reaching approximately 29 meters in height. The addition of the dome lantern brings the total height to around 34 meters, matching the height of the twin towers that flank the structure.

The sandstone façade is a two-story marvel, adorned with pilasters that subtly articulate its design. The central axis is dominated by a projecting aedicule portal, supported by columns of the Doric order. Flanking the portal are statues of the order’s patrons, Saint Dominic and Saint Thomas Aquinas, nestled in round niches.

Artistic and Spiritual Treasures

Within the church, the altar island has been strategically placed under the dome since its post-war reconstruction. The original choir screen has been restored, allowing access through an opening to the church. The choir area, previously serving as a sacrament chapel, houses a baroque high altar dating back to 1699, originally crafted for the Gaukirche in Paderborn. This altar was acquired for the Dominikanerkirche in 1903 and installed the following year, undergoing restoration in 2021.

One of the notable memorials inside is the epitaph for Lambert Friedrich Corfey, the church’s architect, who was laid to rest in the crypt beneath the Dominikanerkirche in 1733. The design of the epitaph is attributed to Johann Conrad Schlaun, adding another layer of artistic heritage to the church.

A Modern Intersection of Art and Science

In 2018, the church became home to an innovative art installation by Gerhard Richter, titled Two Grey Double Mirrors for a Pendulum. This piece features a Foucault pendulum, with a 48-kilogram brass sphere suspended on a 29-meter-long cable, set in motion by a magnetic drive. The pendulum swings over a floor plate with a twelve-part ring, demonstrating the Earth's rotation as the plate rotates away from the pendulum in about 30 hours.

The installation is framed by mirrors on the crossing walls, which reflect the pendulum and the spectators, involving viewers directly in the artwork. This modern touch, costing 650,000 euros, was largely funded through external contributions, blending contemporary art with historical architecture.

The Resounding Echoes of the Bells

The church’s north tower houses a set of three bells, two of which were cast in 1977, while the third, a historical bell, dates back to 1670. This harmonious ensemble continues to resonate through the streets of Münster, echoing the rich history and enduring spirit of the Dominikanerkirche.

In conclusion, the Dominikanerkirche in Münster is not just a historical monument; it is a living canvas of art, architecture, and history. Its walls tell stories of faith, resilience, and transformation, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the vibrant city of Münster.