Armeemuseum Friedrich der Große

About the museum

The collection goes back to a private collector who first showed his Old Prussian militaria in 1993: in the knights' hall of Ortenburg Castle in Lower Bavaria, as the "Wehrgeschichtliches Museum des 18. Jahrhunderts" (Museum of 18th-Century Military History), with around 300 exhibits. When the space there was no longer sufficient and talks with offices in Berlin and Brandenburg produced no result, a partner was found in the Bayerische Schlösserverwaltung (Bavarian State Palace Administration).

In June 1999 the permanent exhibition opened in the former armory hall of the Plassenburg, the former Hohenzollern residence above Kulmbach. The Free State of Bavaria equipped the rooms with modern display cases, underfloor heating and an alarm system; the objects remain loans from the collector, who largely designed the concept himself.

In 2002 the militaria department of the Margraviate of Ansbach-Bayreuth moved into the new Fränkisches Hohenzollernmuseum (Franconian Hohenzollern Museum) on the upper floor, which freed up space for display cases on the army under Frederick William I. In 2009 seven table cases for special topics were added. Today the museum shows, in 32 cases, the largest collection of Old Prussian militaria between 1700 and 1806, with a focus on the reign of Frederick the Great.

Highlights

• Largest collection of Old Prussian militaria from 1700 to 1806
• 32 cases on infantry, cavalry and camp life
• Firearms, edged weapons, flags and paintings
• Themed cases on Jäger troops, technical units, pole arms and flags
• Comparison with the armies of France and Austria
• Visits possible without a guided tour

Permanent exhibition

• Armeemuseum Friedrich der Große – Weapons, uniforms and equipment of the Prussian army from 1700 to 1806 in 32 cases, focusing on infantry, cavalry and camp life.

Founded

1999

Operated by

Bayerische Verwaltung der staatlichen Schlösser, Gärten und Seen

Admission & discounts

Annual and multi-day passes of the Bavarian State Palace Administration are available.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 Armeemuseum in the north wing of the Hochburg cannot be reached barrier-free; the castle complex is only partly accessible for wheelchair users because of the slope and granite paving. Two accessible parking spaces in the barracks courtyard (access with a disability card after registering by ringing the bell at the barrier). Accessible toilets in the entrance area of the Zinnfigurenmuseum and in the Schöner Hof. No induction loop, no tactile guidance system.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

With discovery booklets, children can explore the Plassenburg in a playful way. Children and young people up to age 18 have free admission; under 14s only with an adult supervisor.

Getting there & parking

The Plassenburg sits on the Festungsberg (fortress hill) above Kulmbach (Festungsberg 27, 95326 Kulmbach).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Wi-Fi

Café in the Schöner Hof of the Plassenburg; free Wi-Fi on the grounds.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Event rooms in the Plassenburg can be rented (Bavarian State Palace Administration).

Plan your visit