Domschatzkammer Aachen

About the museum

The Aachen Cathedral treasury dates back to the time of Charlemagne and grew over the centuries through donations from emperors, kings and pilgrims. In the Middle Ages, the treasures were kept in a Gothic reliquary cabinet in the Matthiaskapelle.

In 1931 the treasury was first presented as a museum in the Allerseelenkapelle, at that time on only about 90 square meters. In 1978 UNESCO inscribed Aachen Cathedral, including its treasury, on the World Heritage List as the first German monument. A year later the collection moved into new rooms along the cathedral cloister.

With the redesign of 1995, the exhibition space grew to about 600 square meters; since then the objects have been displayed thematically rather than chronologically. Around 130 works are on view on three levels – goldsmiths' work, reliquaries, liturgical textiles, ivory carvings and manuscripts from late antiquity to the modern era.

Among the best-known pieces are the Cross of Lothair, made around 985, the late Gothic bust of Charlemagne and the Roman Proserpina sarcophagus, in which Charlemagne is said to have been buried. The treasury is run by the Aachen cathedral chapter; Birgitta Falk has been its director since 2016.

Highlights

• Cross of Lothair (around 985)
• Bust of Charlemagne in gilded silver
• Roman Proserpina sarcophagus
• Carolingian Treasury Gospels (Schatzkammer-Evangeliar)
• Part of the Aachen Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Site

Permanent exhibitions

• Der Aachener Domschatz – Around 130 works of art on three levels from late antiquity to the modern era, including the Cross of Lothair, the bust of Charlemagne and the Proserpina sarcophagus.

Founded

1931

Operated by

Domkapitel Aachen

Director

Birgitta Falk

Admission & discounts

Tickets at the Dominformation or at the treasury ticket desk; online tickets currently not available.

Accessibility

• 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

According to the website, the treasury is accessible. Induction hearing systems can be borrowed free of charge.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Children's audio guide (German) available to borrow; reduced-price tours for daycare and school groups; events such as the Türöffner-Tag (Door Opener Day) with “Die Sendung mit der Maus”.

Getting there & parking

In the old town right next to the cathedral; entrance through the “Kleines Drachenloch” opposite the Dominformation.

Amenities & dining

Tickets and information at the Dominformation opposite the entrance.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit