Historical Museum Bamberg

Nestled in the heart of Bamberg, Bavaria, the Historical Museum Bamberg (Historisches Museum Bamberg) offers a captivating journey through more than a millennium of history. Housed in the Renaissance buildings of the Alte Hofhaltung, the museum is a stone's throw from the majestic Kaiserdom, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The Rich History of Historical Museum Bamberg

The foundation of the museum's collection dates back to 1838 when Domvikar Joseph Hemmerlein bequeathed his extensive collection of paintings to the city. Over the years, the museum expanded its collection through donations, bequests, purchases, and loans. Initially located in the former Benedictine monastery Michaelsberg, the museum found its current home in the Alte Hofhaltung in 1938. From 1938 to 1957, it was known as the Franconian Homeland Museum. Since 1987, the museum has been continuously expanded to accommodate its growing collection and to better document the rich 1,000-year history and art history of Bamberg and its surroundings.

Exploring the Museum's Collections

The Historical Museum Bamberg boasts an impressive array of exhibits, ranging from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Visitors can marvel at prominent sculptures such as the Bamberger Götzen and a series of significant artworks and paintings spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum also houses objects from traditional Bamberg guilds, ornate clocks from the 16th to the 19th centuries, and coin collections from various art and cultural historical epochs.

Of international significance is the museum's collection of scientific instruments, reflecting Bamberg's rich tradition of academic and clerical research. Many of these astronomical and mathematical instruments from the 16th to the 18th centuries originate from various monasteries and colleges, including the Jesuit College Bamberg, Banz, Ebrach, Langheim, and the prince-bishop's university. The museum also features an impressive collection of Christmas images and nativity scenes, attracting visitors from across Germany during the holiday season. Additionally, the museum houses the original Apfelweibla doorknob from the golden pot.

Permanent and Special Exhibitions

The Historical Museum Bamberg offers several permanent exhibitions that delve into different facets of Bamberg's rich history. The Jewish Life in Bamberg exhibition, previously held at the Villa Dessauer, now has a permanent home in the museum. This exhibition is a significant addition, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of an essential aspect of Bamberg's city history.

The In the Flow of History: Bamberg's Lifeline Regnitz exhibition explores the cultural, economic, historical, and ecological connections between the city and the river. Through this exhibition, visitors can appreciate the beauty and significance of these connections.

From Romanticism to the Founding Era: Bourgeois Culture in the 19th Century in Bamberg showcases paintings, graphics, and crafts from the Romantic period to the Founding Era. Covering approximately 350 square meters, the exhibition highlights the civic engagement and revival following the secularization period. Portraits of prominent figures from Bamberg's bourgeoisie and objects from the Schmidt's Porcelain Painting Institute provide a glimpse into the city's cultural heritage.

The 100 Masterpieces: From Lucas Cranach to Pieter Breughel to Otto Modersohn exhibition features masterpieces from seven centuries, selected from the city's extensive collection of approximately 3,000 paintings. Displayed in the picturesque half-timbered wing of the Renaissance-era former Imperial Palace, these works offer insights into the diversity of Bamberg's collection.

The Kumpf & Co. exhibition is tailored for children and adolescents, showcasing archaeological objects in the historic walls of the Alte Hofhaltung. The exhibition brings to life the early settlement of Upper Franconia and the Bamberg region during the Neolithic period, as well as the Middle Ages in Bamberg, the era of Emperor Heinrich II, and his wife Kunigunde.

Special Exhibitions

The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions featuring contemporary art, including painting, photography, and sculpture. During the Christmas season, the museum presents changing nativity scene exhibitions in a genuine stable, the historic Marstall of the Bamberg Prince-Bishops.

In conclusion, the Historical Museum Bamberg is more than just a repository of artifacts; it is a gateway to understanding the rich tapestry of Bamberg's past. With its diverse collections and engaging exhibitions, the museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the historical and cultural heritage of this enchanting Bavarian city.