Neubrandenburg Regional Museum

The Neubrandenburg Regional Museum, known locally as the Regionalmuseum Neubrandenburg, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region in Germany. Established in 1872 by the Neubrandenburg Museum Association, this institution has evolved over the years to become one of the oldest cultural history museums in the area, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past through its extensive collections and exhibitions.

The Origins and Evolution of the Museum

The inception of the Neubrandenburg Regional Museum was driven by a collective effort of local enthusiasts who formed the Neubrandenburg Museum Association in 1872. Just a year later, in 1873, the association inaugurated the first permanent exhibition in the main tower of the Treptower Gate, marking the birth of the first bourgeois museum in the Mecklenburg-Strelitz region. The museum remained under the association's management until the mid-1930s when it transitioned to municipal ownership due to the association's dissolution under Nazi pressure.

Throughout its history, the museum has undergone several transformations, both in name and scope. Until 1989, it functioned as the Historical District Museum, playing a leading role for other museums in the Neubrandenburg district. Today, the Neubrandenburg Regional Museum operates across multiple exhibition sites, fulfilling the role of a city museum for Neubrandenburg and continuing to preserve and showcase the region's rich heritage.

Exhibitions and Collections

The museum's primary mission is to curate and present exhibitions that narrate the history of Neubrandenburg and its surrounding areas. Currently, exhibitions are held at two central locations in Neubrandenburg.

The oldest exhibition site, opened in 1873, is the main tower of the Treptower Gate. This historic structure initially housed an exhibition detailing the region's history from early human settlement to the Middle Ages. Although the fifth floor of the tower, which featured an exhibition on the search for the legendary city of Rethra, has been closed since June 2015 due to safety concerns, the Treptower Gate remains a significant landmark in the museum's history.

Since September 10, 2013, the museum's permanent and special exhibitions on Neubrandenburg's city and regional history have been housed in the former Franciscan monastery, the oldest surviving building complex in the city. This site offers a unique setting for exploring the rich historical narratives of Neubrandenburg, from its medieval origins to its modern developments.

Another noteworthy exhibition is located in the tower of the Concert Church of Neubrandenburg. This exhibition, titled Paths to Brick Gothic, aims to introduce visitors to the beauty and diversity of Brick Gothic architecture in the region, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

Special Collections

In addition to its local historical collections, the Neubrandenburg Regional Museum boasts one of the two largest collections of non-European ethnology in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. A highlight of this collection is the South Seas collection, assembled by Dr. Bernhard Funk. This collection provides a fascinating window into the cultures and traditions of the South Pacific, offering a broader perspective on global cultural history.

Publications and Research

The museum has a long-standing tradition of contributing to local historical scholarship through its publications. Since 1975, it has published the Neubrandenburger Mosaik, an annual yearbook focused on local history. Additionally, the museum has continued the monograph series initiated by Annalise Wagner in 1966, producing thematic volumes on various historical topics.

The Neubrandenburg Museum Association

The Neubrandenburg Museum Association was reestablished in 1990 and currently has around 70 members. The association supports the museum's activities and includes two thematic working groups. Although the museum's youth club, the Heinrich Schliemann Club, which focused on archaeology and early history, ceased operations in 2010 due to declining interest, it remains a significant part of the museum's legacy.

Visiting the Neubrandenburg Regional Museum

A visit to the Neubrandenburg Regional Museum offers a comprehensive and engaging journey through the history and culture of Neubrandenburg and beyond. Whether exploring the medieval architecture of the Treptower Gate, delving into the city's history at the former Franciscan monastery, or admiring the intricate Brick Gothic designs at the Concert Church tower, visitors will find a wealth of historical treasures to discover.

The museum's diverse collections, from local historical artifacts to ethnological treasures from the South Seas, provide a rich and varied experience for all who visit. The Neubrandenburg Regional Museum is not just a repository of the past; it is a vibrant institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped this unique region of Germany.