Bismarck-Museum Friedrichsruh
Museum in the Altes Landhaus in Friedrichsruh with hundreds of original objects owned by Otto von Bismarck and a re-created study.
About the museum
The museum's roots lie in Schönhausen on the Elbe, where a Bismarck museum had opened as early as 1891. In 1927 the von Bismarck family brought part of this collection to Aumühle in the Sachsenwald forest; from 1933 it was on display in the Friedrichsruh stables (Marstall), until toward the end of the war the family had to move into the rooms themselves after their residence was destroyed.
In December 1950 the museum reopened in the Altes Landhaus, a half-timbered building and former inn on the road to Grande. Since 2009 the Otto-von-Bismarck-Stiftung (foundation) has managed the museum, and in 2021 it acquired the building and collection from the family. A renovation and a new permanent exhibition are planned.
Several hundred objects are on display in ten rooms: documents from Bismarck's career, his medals and uniform, the pistols from the two assassination attempts, the chair from his meeting with Napoleon III after Sedan, and Anton von Werner's painting of the proclamation of the German Empire, given to him in 1885. One room shows his study with original furniture. In the nearby Historischer Bahnhof (historic railway station), the foundation's headquarters, the permanent exhibition "Otto von Bismarck und seine Zeit" (Otto von Bismarck and His Time) complements the visit.
Highlights
- Anton von Werner's proclamation of the German Empire in the 1885 version
- Re-created study with original furniture
- Chair from the meeting with Napoleon III after Sedan
- Pistols from the assassination attempts and numerous medals
- Free admission
Permanent exhibitions
- Bismarck-Museum im Alten Landhaus – Original gifts, documents and everyday objects of Otto von Bismarck in ten rooms, plus his re-created study.
- Otto von Bismarck und seine Zeit – Exhibition in the Historischer Bahnhof that places the Reich Chancellor's life and politics, with their achievements and failures, in the context of the 19th century.
- Founded
- 1927
- Operated by
- Otto-von-Bismarck-Stiftung
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission, also to the permanent exhibition in the Historischer Bahnhof. Admission to the mausoleum is charged separately there.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- 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
The Bismarck-Museum is not accessible until the planned renovation. The Historischer Bahnhof with the foundation's permanent exhibition, however, can be reached step-free from the parking lot.
Kids & families
Scavenger hunt and quiz booklets are available for school classes from grade 8; the foundation does not list any dedicated family programs.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bismarck-Museum
S-Bahn line S21 to Aumühle, then bus 433 (toward Trittau) to "Bismarck-Museum", or about a 25-minute walk through the Sachsenwald forest
By car
Free parking
Free parking at the museum and at the Historischer Bahnhof Friedrichsruh; bus parking at the museum.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Overview and thematic guided tours (approx. 1 hr, also in English) as well as the "Friedrichsruher Parcours" covering the museum, mausoleum and Hirschgruppe (deer sculpture group) by appointment, ideally 7 days in advance. Public thematic tours on January 18, April 1, May 23 and October 3. For school classes: rally, quiz, transcription exercises and work with historical sources. Virtual tour on the website. |
