VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese is a comparatively young institution that has emerged from the archaeological research that has been conducted in the Kalkriese region since 1989. Kalkriese is one of the first ancient battlefields in Europe to be the subject of systematic and interdisciplinary research. According to present knowledge, the archaeological site is linked to the Varus Battle in 9 AD. The extraordinary spectrum of finds underlines the high scientific and cultural-historical significance of the site. VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese was awarded the Europa Nostra Award in 2004 and has since been considered a European cultural heritage site.
VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese is supported by the district of Osnabrück and the foundation of the savings banks in the district of Osnabrück; scientific cooperation takes place with the University of Osnabrück. Local politicians and politicians all over Lower Saxony, as well as numerous stakeholders of civil society and economy, support us in our daily work. They all enable and ensure the success of our endeavour. They stand by us and support the common goals of VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese.
We research and educate
Researching the Kalkriese site is our primary scientific task. In doing so, we rely on transparency, diligence and cooperation and are committed to the principles of good scientific practice. Our collections and research results are openly accessible to everyone. In the context of the transformation of data into digital formats, they shall be made available worldwide in the future. We convey our knowledge and research results by addressing a broad public, meeting them with respect and tolerance, always at eye level and in dialogue.
We see the work we conduct at our museum as a bridge between research and the public, enabling us to present complex scientific issues to society in a way that is appropriate for the target group and facilitating social participation in the research process and the formation of opinion.
We preserve and convey knowledge
VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese, is responsible for a precious cultural heritage. We restore, conserve and document the finds with the utmost care according to current standards, using all necessary technological means. Regarding all archaeological intrusions in the soil, it is important to reconcile today’s scientific concerns with the preservation of the archaeological monument for future generations. The responsible use of resources and sustainable practices determine our work and the further development of VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese. We also pay attention to the protection of the landscape at Kalkrieser Berg and to an ecologically sustainable maintenance of the 24-hectare museum park.
As an extracurricular place of education and hands-on experience, we make the results of our research accessible to a broad public with up-to-date offers – precise, critical, informative, but at the same time vivid and entertaining. Our approach to conveying knowledge is future-oriented, open to new formats, to socially relevant topics and striving for a holistic education against the background of a sustainable development.
We confront history
We work and research at a place whose events not only shaped the course of time around the birth of Christ, but also from the 16th century until well into the 20th century. During this time, the Varus Battle was an important reference point for the formation of a German national identity, as well as for the emergence of an exaggerated nationalism. We consciously address this heritage and accept the responsibility that arises from it. Our critical examination of the Varus Battle location as an ambivalent site of remembrance contributes to political education and a reflected understanding of history.
We serve society
We consider the task of researching the Kalkriese site, preserving and protecting this cultural heritage as well as communicating its significance in today’s world as a service to society. We establish references to current issues and take into account different points of view. We pursue the goal of enriching public debates and see ourselves as a socially influential forum for culture, science and education. We are committed to the region and beyond. VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese is at home in a rural region whose cultural development we strongly support.
As employees we stand for tolerance, equality and respect for human rights. We oppose any form of discrimination and exclusion.
As a strong team, we are shaping the future
With their commitment, creativity and competence, our employees are the backbone of our work. It is their performance that determines the future of VARUSSCHLACHT im Osnabrücker Land gGmbH – Museum und Park Kalkriese. We promote appreciative interaction and make sure that we promote the balance of personal and family well-being as well as personal development with work. As a learning organization, we encourage continuing education and professional development. We communicate transparently both internally and externally, creating the space in which we will continue to develop in the future.