Blüchermuseum Kaub

About the museum

On New Year's Eve 1813, Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher took up quarters in the Kaub inn "Zur Stadt Mannheim". From here, in the first days of January 1814, he had a pontoon bridge built across the Rhine, on which within a few days about 50,000 soldiers of the Silesian Army, along with horses and guns, crossed the river – a decisive step in the campaign against Napoleon after the Battle of Leipzig.

The building is a Baroque palais that the merchant Johann Daniel Kilp had built in 1780 to plans by the Electoral Palatinate court architect Franz Wilhelm Rabaliatti; in 1792 a courtyard complex, partly built into the slate rock, with storerooms and stables was added. The living rooms that Blücher used have been largely preserved in the condition of that time, with furniture, painted canvas wallpaper, and tiled stoves.

For the 100th anniversary of the Rhine crossing, a museum was set up in the front building in 1913, prompted by the Blücher admirer Werner Teschemacher of Bad Ems, who also contributed exhibits. The museum is run by the town of Kaub, supported by a friends' association. After a comprehensive renovation from 2009 to 2013, the house displays Blücher's personal belongings, a significant collection of military artifacts from the Wars of Liberation, and a large tin figure diorama of the Rhine crossing. In 2023 the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Culture named it "Museum of the Month".

Highlights

• Largely original living quarters where Blücher had his headquarters in 1813/14
• Large tin figure diorama "Blüchers Rheinübergang bei Kaub"
• Blücher's personal items such as snuffbox, glove, and war chest
• Painted canvas wallpaper, tiled stoves, and Empire and Biedermeier furniture
• Collection of military artifacts from the Wars of Liberation

Permanent exhibitions

• Blüchers Rheinübergang bei Kaub 1813/14 – The historic headquarters rooms with original furnishings, Blücher's personal mementos, display panels on the Prussian and Russian troops involved, and a large tin figure diorama of the Rhine crossing.

Founded

1913

Operated by

Stadt Kaub

Admission & discounts

Expert guided tour in addition to admission: €25 for up to 10 people, each additional person €2.50.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• 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

Not accessible: a fairly long historic staircase leads to the ticket office and exhibition; in the exhibition there are individual steps and high thresholds.

Kids & families

Children up to age 6 have free admission; family ticket for 2 adults with their own children up to age 14.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with souvenirs, books, and DVDs (also online).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit