museumkrems

About the museum

The museumkrems is one of the oldest municipal museums in Lower Austria and grew out of a civic initiative: at the suggestion of the town parish priest Anton Kerschbaumer, the municipality decided in 1881 to set up a museum, which opened in 1891. A large part of the collection and funding came from citizens of Krems; the first curator, Theresia Rotter, looked after the museum for about forty years.

The museum is housed in the former Dominican monastery on the Körnermarkt, whose origins go back to the 13th century. At first the monastery church was used, into which an intermediate ceiling had been inserted for this purpose; today the museum shows its permanent exhibition on the ground floor of the monastery complex with its cloister and Baroque inner courtyard. The Gothic church serves as an exhibition space for contemporary art, the galeriekrems is on the upper floor, and a historic wine cellar also belongs to the museum.

The collection leads from prehistory and early history through medieval and early modern art treasures to viticulture, crafts and bourgeois culture. One focus is the Baroque painter Martin Johann Schmidt (1718–1801), known as Kremser Schmidt; further themes are Kremser mustard and the guild of the vintners. Also well known are the city model of Krems in the 18th century, the Kremser Pfennig and the figure of Fanny vom Galgenberg as a life-size replica. Changing exhibitions are devoted to city history and contemporary art.

Highlights

• City model of Krems in the 18th century
• Works by the Baroque painter Kremser Schmidt
• Kremser Pfennig and the city judge's sword
• "Fanny vom Galgenberg" as a life-size replica
• Exhibition on Kremser mustard
• Gothic Dominican church with cloister and inner courtyard

Permanent exhibition

• Sammlungspräsentation – The permanent exhibition shows the history of the city of Krems from prehistory to bourgeois culture, with a city model, guild and viticulture objects and works by Kremser Schmidt.

Founded

1891

Operated by

Stadt Krems

Director

Gregor Kremser

Admission & discounts

The ticket is valid for a whole day for museumkrems, galeriekrems and the Dominican church. With the Niederösterreich-CARD, one free admission for individual visitors (surcharge for educational programmes; not valid for group bookings). ÖBB Erlebnisticket (train journey plus admission) bookable until 31 December 2026. Payment in cash, by debit card and credit card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is located in a historic building complex and is only partially accessible. Tours can be adapted to be accessible on request, and seating is available. Pets are not permitted.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

At the ticket desk, families receive a riddle treasure map for children aged 8 to 12 (a small surprise as a reward). In addition, there are children's workshops and events from time to time; children and young people up to 19 years have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle stands directly in front of the museum; the route lies on the Danube, Kremstal and vineyard cycle paths. E-bike charging stations at the Steiner Tor shopping centre.

Amenities & dining

• Coat check
• Lockers

Cloakroom and free lockers available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit