Kartensammlung Geowissenschaften

Hidden within the University of Münster lies the Kartensammlung Geowissenschaften. Do you know what a ‘Kartensammlung’ is? It’s a map collection. The Kartensammlung Geowissenschaften isn’t just any map collection. It holds both modern and historical maps, charting not just the physical world but also the evolution of our understanding of it. The University Library of Münster (ULB Münster) houses this treasure. The modern collection began after World War II and includes official topographical, geological, and hydrogeological maps. Think of it as a living archive, constantly updated with new publications. But the true gems are the historical maps, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. This part of the Kartensammlung Geowissenschaften is divided into two distinct sections. One contains maps acquired by the library. The other houses the Baron August von Haxthausen map collection, obtained in 1967. Imagine the stories these maps could tell. From world maps depicting the eastern and western hemispheres to detailed regional maps of European states and beyond. The collection even includes city plans, offering a glimpse into urban landscapes of the past. These maps aren’t just geographical documents. They’re windows into the history of cartography itself. They showcase the work of giants like Gerhard Mercator and Abraham Ortelius. They represent the artistry of publishing houses like Hondius, Janssonius, and Blaeu. Visiting the Kartensammlung Geowissenschaften is like stepping back in time. You can trace the evolution of mapmaking techniques, from the Amsterdam and Nuremberg-Augsburg eras to the rise of Berlin as a cartographic center in the 19th century. The Kartensammlung Geowissenschaften isn’t just a collection of maps. It is a collection of stories, patiently waiting to be discovered.