Arche Nebra

About the museum

After the Sky Disc, discovered by looters on the Mittelberg in 1999, was recovered in 2002, it was decided to show the original in the Landesmuseum für Vorgeschichte in Halle and to create a visitor center of its own at the find site. From 2003 the state and the region planned the tourist development, and in 2004/2005 an architectural competition followed. After the groundbreaking in October 2005, the Arche Nebra opened on June 20, 2007.

The building by architects Holzer Kobler, about 60 meters long, seems to float above the Unstrut valley and echoes the golden solar barque of the Sky Disc. A large panoramic window directs the view to the Mittelberg, where a 30-meter-high observation tower marks the find site.

The Arche Nebra does not see itself as a classic museum but as an information and experience center. On about 300 square meters, the permanent presentation explains the Bronze Age, the making of the disc, and its astronomical knowledge with a few originals, replicas, films, comics, and playful stations. The centerpiece is a planetarium with a specially produced show. In 2023 the building reopened after modernization; in July 2025 the "Outer Space", a walk-in UFO with play stations and a roof terrace, was added as a freely accessible place for learning and adventure. The operator is Kulturbetriebe Burgenlandkreis GmbH.

Highlights

• Planetarium show on the astronomy of the Bronze Age
• Experience-oriented permanent presentation on the Sky Disc
• Find site on the Mittelberg with a 30 m high observation tower
• Walk-in UFO "Outer Space" with play stations
• Panorama café with a view over the Unstrut valley

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerpräsentation zur Himmelsscheibe von Nebra – Replicas, films, comics, and hands-on stations explain the Bronze Age, craftsmanship, and the astronomical knowledge of the disc. Large sculptures of the sun, moon, and Pleiades shape the space.
• Planetariumsshow „Eine Reise ins Universum der Bronzezeit“ – Specially produced show under the 360-degree dome that deciphers the Bronze Age night sky and the message of the disc.
• Fundort der Himmelsscheibe auf dem Mittelberg – Freely accessible grounds with an observation tower and art trail about 3 km from the visitor center.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Kulturbetriebe Burgenlandkreis GmbH

Admission & discounts

Free admission: During the fall school holidays, free admission for children up to age 16 on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Planetarium show included in admission. Mittelberg with observation tower and "Outer Space" free of charge. During special shows only the higher rate applies. Discounts via cooperation partners.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description

Certified under "Reisen für Alle" (accessibility checked, 06/2025–05/2028). Building accessible step-free or by elevator; loan wheelchair and folding stool at the ticket desk. Two accessible parking spaces 25 m from the entrance. Free audio guides with audio description, tours for blind and visually impaired people as well as for people with cognitive impairments by registration, brochure and audio tour in Easy Language. No induction loop. Scheduled bus and stops are not accessible. Assistance dogs on request.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Hands-on activities such as pewter or chocolate casting and astronomy programs, holiday activities during the fall holidays. Children's audio play as an audio guide to the find site (ages 6–10). The walk-in UFO "Outer Space" with play stations is freely accessible. Baby changing table in the accessible restroom in the basement.

Getting there & parking

Highway exits: A9 Naumburg, A38 Querfurt or Eisleben, A71 Sömmerda. Access to the visitor center via a barrier (registered coaches and guests with limited mobility ring the bell). The find site is about 3 km away and cannot be reached by car. Also accessible by bike (Unstrut and Himmelsscheibe cycle routes) or canoe (landing stage in Kleinwangen).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Coat check
• Lockers

Panorama café (April–October daily 11:00–18:00, November–March Tue–Fri 11:00–16:00, Sat/Sun/public holidays 11:00–17:00). Lockers in the foyer, in the basement, and at the parking lot; free bicycle garages with e-bike charging station.

Events & venue rental

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

Rooms for conferences, seminars, company presentations, and private celebrations. Civil weddings in the planetarium (44 seats); appointments through the registry office of the Verbandsgemeinde Unstruttal.

Plan your visit