Six buildings from the 16th century in Weser Renaissance style form the backdrop to one of the most traditional Westphalian museums. The heritage-protected museum row was upgraded in 2012. It offers a range of surprises both on the inside and outside: stucco ornaments, stone reliefs, chimneys, a lifting facility from the 16th century and an original building structure with many traces of former residents make the museum row an important exponent of the future permanent exhibition. The museum team is currently working on a new permanent exhibition dedicated to urban history. The first stages have already been prepared. An introduction to the history of Minden is offered with the interactive town model "Festung Minden im Jahre 1873" [The Minden Fortification in 1873] and the "Schaufenster zur Stadtgeschichte" [Window to Urban History], with 35 objects ranging from a hand axe to a handball trophy. Rare golden guldens and stucco ornaments are displayed in the "Erker Cabinet". Fascinating knowledge about the Weser Renaissance and the region's sandstone is offered in the "Diele 23". The history of the Körber & Freytag lending library, its families and its much-travelled furniture is the focus of the Freytag Room. Further sequences to follow step-by-step.

The history of Minden and Brandenburg-Prussia are closely interconnected. As part of the 1648 Peace of Westphalia the former Prince-Bishopric and the identically-named town pass to Kurbrandenburg. Until the breakup of Prussia in 1947, almost 300 years of Hohenzollern dominance have left deep traces in the urban history, in the current appearance of the town and in the collection of Minden Museum. Impressive collection areas of military and fortification history, everyday life, artefacts of local companies and personalities and the art of renowned artists serve to document the Prussian history of Minden.
The following is elucidated in the collection focal points:

Everyday life (1648 – 1947)
•    Trade and commerce
•    Military and fortification history
•    Artefacts of the Weser Renaissance
•    Views of Minden
•    Personalities (including artists)
•    Historic books and archives
•    Photography collection