Archäologisches Landesmuseum Baden-Württemberg

Current exhibitions

About the museum

In June 1990, the state government of Baden-Württemberg decided to found a state archaeological museum. Because suitable premises were lacking in Stuttgart, work began in the vacant convent building of the former Benedictine abbey of Petershausen in Konstanz – initially only as a branch of a planned main museum in the state capital, which, however, was never realized. During the conversion of the building, erected in 1767, the Baroque layout with long corridors and monastic cells was largely preserved; some cells were combined into exhibition rooms. The display collection opened in March 1992. The founding director was state archaeologist Dieter Planck.

Later, a striking annex was added whose facade traces the outline of its most important exhibit: a cargo ship about 18 meters long from the 14th century, discovered in Lake Constance off Immenstaad in 1981. Since 1999, the museum has also included the Zentrales Fundarchiv (central finds archive) in Rastatt, which houses excavation finds from the entire state. Since 2003, the ALM has also managed several branch museums – today seven sites across the state, including the Limesmuseum Aalen, the Federseemuseum, and the Museum für Urgeschichte in Blaubeuren. Since 2012, the ALM has been a state-owned enterprise.

Spread over three floors, the Konstanz display collection spans the Stone Age to the early modern period. Its focal points are the pile dwellings, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with exceptionally well-preserved wood and textile finds; the Roman and medieval history of Konstanz; the early Middle Ages; and navigation on Lake Constance. For several years, the permanent exhibition has been gradually redesigned; modernized rooms are to be completed by 2035, with a new Celtic gallery planned for the end of 2028.

Highlights

• Medieval cargo ship from Lake Constance in its own ship annex
• Pile-dwelling finds (UNESCO World Heritage) including wooden wheels and early textiles
• Reconstruction of the Stone Age wall painting from Ludwigshafen-Seehalde
• Birch-tar “chewing gum” from Hornstaad
• Medieval everyday finds from Konstanz, such as children's shoes and enameled glass
• Baroque convent building of Petershausen Abbey

Permanent exhibitions

• 4000 Jahre Pfahlbauten – Finds from the wetland settlements on Lake Constance and in Upper Swabia illustrate house building, textiles, wheels, and long-distance trade in the Stone Age and Bronze Age.
• Konstanz im Mittelalter – Stadt, Land, Leute – Excavated finds from latrines and houses tell of living, eating, and making a living in the medieval episcopal city.
• Die römische Vorgeschichte von Konstanz – The tour traces the site from a Celtic oppidum through the Roman settlement and fort to the bishop's seat.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Land Baden-Württemberg (Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst), Landesbetrieb

Admission & discounts

Separate prices apply to events, hands-on exhibitions, and special exhibitions. Free admission to the display collection with the Bodensee Card PLUS, the Landesfamilienpass (state family pass), and the new-residents voucher (special exhibition then at the reduced rate), as well as for members of ICOM, DMB, and the Museumsverband Baden-Württemberg and for the press. bwegtPlus: €1 off regular admission with a same-day bwtarif ticket or Deutschland-Ticket. Online tickets cannot be canceled.

Accessibility

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

Ramp next to the main entrance, elevator to all floors, accessible restroom on the second floor. Wheelchair and folding stools available to borrow at the front desk. Website information in Easy German (Leichte Sprache) and German Sign Language. Animals are not allowed, except trained assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Kids’ birthday parties

Hands-on exhibitions, digital geocaching treasure hunt, city rally, children's tours, workshops and children's birthdays. Loaner strollers for families with small children.

Getting there & parking

From Switzerland to Konstanz (Schweizer Bahnhof), then about 10–15 minutes on foot. Catamaran from Friedrichshafen to Konstanz harbor, then onward via the Rhine bridge or by bus.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Self-service café and museum shop with specialist literature and replicas. Free Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Refectory (up to 80 people depending on seating) for conferences, lectures, readings, celebrations, and weddings; the Taverne for children's birthday parties and museum education events.

Plan your visit