Though a lack of legitimate documentation makes it difficult to date the building, the Monastery Museum is located in the former ballroom in the original cloister location at the Cistercian monastery. It is also the location of the monastery restaurant, Klosterschänke.
It is known, however, that some alterations to the structure have been made over time. Panoramic-style windows were installed along one side, and an area for a brass band was created. The original floor still exists today and is equipped with a dance floor. Many celebrations in Hude and the surrounding communities take place here, with many local residents cherishing memories of elegant balls.
After some time, the ballroom no longer met gastronomic requirements and stood vacant for a period. The building was eventually refurbished by Professor Rudolf Prinz zur Lippe in partnership with the Carl von Ossietzky University in Oldenburg and was used to house students during academic events.
With this effort, and the help of the Von Witzleben and Gerdes-Röben families among other community members, the idea of creating a permanent museum to preserve the extensive history of the monastery was realized.
Through the dedicated effort of many volunteers, a dusty and aged ballroom was transformed into a place of history and culture housing the pride of Hude. The space is bursting at the seams with over 700 years of history, including that of the Cistercian monastery in Hude, spanning three centuries – all of which is meticulously preserved.