Erlangen city museum

Step into the heart of Erlangen, a charming city in Bavaria, Germany, and you’ll find yourself drawn to the stately Baroque building that houses the Erlangen city museum, known locally as Stadtmuseum Erlangen. This captivating museum, nestled in the historic Altstädter Rathaus, invites visitors on a journey through the rich tapestry of Erlangen's history, culture, and art.

A Glimpse into History

The origins of the Erlangen city museum trace back to 1865, when the Verein Germanisches Museum was founded with the aim of collecting antiquities, particularly those related to traditional crafts. The establishment of the city archive in 1885 further fueled the desire to preserve Erlangen's heritage. By 1919, a Heimatmuseum was opened in the Wasserturm, and in 1923, an exhibition room was added in the Altstädter Rathaus. It wasn’t until 1964 that the museum found its permanent home in this magnificent Baroque building, constructed between 1733 and 1740.

Over the years, the museum has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. The most significant transformation occurred between 1985 and 1993, when the museum complex was expanded to include additional buildings around Martin-Luther-Platz, Altstädter Kirchenplatz, Cedernstraße, and Neuer Straße. This expansion allowed the museum to grow into a comprehensive city history center, boasting an impressive 1,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Exploring the Exhibitions

As you step inside the Erlangen city museum, you are immediately transported through time. The museum's permanent exhibition spans 650 square meters and is divided into five fascinating sections: Prehistory in the Erlangen Area, The Old Town of Erlangen (1002–1706), New Town (1686–1810), Industrialization (1830–1950), and Urban Society and Politics (1870–1960). Each section is meticulously curated to provide an immersive experience, offering insights into the city's evolution over the centuries.

One of the museum's highlights is its collection related to the Huguenot trades of stocking makers, glovemakers, tanners, and carpet weavers. These exhibits hold significant regional importance, shedding light on the skilled craftsmanship and industrious spirit of the Huguenot community that settled in Erlangen.

Dynamic Special Exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the Erlangen city museum dedicates approximately 350 square meters to rotating special exhibitions. These exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from city history and cultural history to contemporary issues and visual arts. Past exhibitions have explored themes such as Erlangen in National Socialism, 300 Years of Huguenot City Erlangen, The Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, and Erlangen in the Baroque Era.

The museum's commitment to education is evident through its museum pedagogical offerings, which are particularly tailored to school groups. These programs provide engaging and interactive learning experiences, ensuring that visitors of all ages leave with a deeper understanding of Erlangen's heritage.

A Walk Through the Ages

As you wander through the museum's halls, you'll encounter a myriad of artifacts, documents, and artworks that bring Erlangen's history to life. The Prehistory in the Erlangen Area section takes you back to the earliest human settlements, showcasing archaeological finds that reveal the region's ancient past. Moving forward in time, The Old Town of Erlangen section delves into the city's medieval roots, highlighting its development and growth.

The New Town section is particularly captivating, as it explores the period of rapid expansion and urban planning that transformed Erlangen in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This era saw the establishment of the Neustadt, a new district designed to accommodate the influx of Huguenot refugees. The exhibits in this section provide a glimpse into the daily lives of these settlers and their contributions to the city's prosperity.

The Industrialization section chronicles the profound changes brought about by the industrial revolution. From the rise of factories to the advent of modern transportation, this period marked a significant shift in Erlangen's economic and social landscape. The exhibits in this section showcase the innovations and challenges of this transformative era.

Finally, the Urban Society and Politics section offers a comprehensive look at the city's development from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Here, you can explore the political movements, social changes, and cultural milestones that shaped Erlangen into the vibrant city it is today.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture buff, or simply curious about the past, the Erlangen city museum promises an enriching and enjoyable experience. The museum's diverse exhibitions and engaging displays ensure that there is something for everyone to discover. So, next time you find yourself in Erlangen, make sure to set aside some time to explore the treasures of the Stadtmuseum Erlangen and immerse yourself in the fascinating story of this remarkable city.