Bayerisches Brauereimuseum

About the museum

The Bayerisches Brauereimuseum is located in the Kulmbach Mönchshof, a former farm estate of the Cistercian Langheim Abbey. After secularization, a malthouse was first established there in the 19th century and, from 1864, a commercial brewery, which as Mönchshof-Bräu, with its own rail connection, rose to become an export-strong large brewery and won prizes at world's fairs.

In September 1994, after several years of planning, the museum opened initially on about 450 square meters. After brewing at the site ended in 1997, it was able to take over the historic brewery rooms; the greatly expanded exhibition was inaugurated in May 2002 and has since counted among the largest beer exhibitions in the German-speaking world.

The tour spans from the early advanced civilizations through monastic brewing in the Middle Ages to industrialized brewing technology and today's beer culture. Separate areas are devoted to raw materials and beer types, brewery architecture and beer advertising. The finale is the glass museum brewery, where since the end of 2001 the museum's own unfiltered beers have been brewed – every guest receives a tasting sip. The operator is the association Museen im Kulmbacher Mönchshof, which also runs the Bakery Museum and the Spice Museum at the same site.

Highlights

• Glass museum brewery with a view of the brewing process
• Tasting sip of museum beer included in admission
• Beer history from the ancient Egyptians to today
• Extensive collection on beer advertising
• Historic rooms of the former Mönchshof-Bräu

Permanent exhibitions

• Bier seit Jahrtausenden – Cultural history of beer from the early advanced civilizations through Celts, Romans and monastery breweries to the present.
• Kunst des Brauens und Produkt Bier – Brewing technology around 1900 and today, raw materials, brewing methods and beer types as well as beer advertising and brewery architecture.
• Gläserne Museumsbrauerei – Small show brewery at the end of the tour where museum beer is made by hand – with a tasting sip for all guests.

Founded

1994

Operated by

Museen im Kulmbacher Mönchshof e.V.

Director

Dr. Matthias Gebauer (Geschäftsführung Museen)

Admission & discounts

Admission includes a sip of museum beer (non-alcoholic on request) and a piece of spice bread. With the Bavarian Ehrenamtskarte, Ochsenkopfkarte or Bad Alexandersbad guest card, €1 discount; further discounts e.g. with the Agilis ticket and Schlemmerpass. Prices valid from January 1, 2026.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Accessible parking spaces on the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Family holiday special with a guided tour during the Bavarian school holidays; for school classes aged 10 to 17, age-appropriate themed tours. Baby changing room available, playground in the neighboring beer garden. Instead of beer, a non-alcoholic alternative is available on request.

Getting there & parking

By car, follow the signs for "Klinikum"; in the city the Mönchshof is signposted. GPS address: Hofer Straße 20, 95326 Kulmbach.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Museum café with specialty coffees, soft drinks and museum beer; about 30 m away is the Mönchshof Bräuhaus with a large beer garden (closed Mondays and Wednesdays). Museum shop at the ticket desk, where museum beer is also available to take away.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Rooms in the museum education center (MUPÄZ) with a lecture hall, school kitchen and library can be requested for events and corporate events.

Plan your visit