Bremer Geschichtenhaus
Living museum in the Schnoor quarter: performers in historical costumes lead visitors playfully through three centuries of Bremen's history.
About the museum
The Bremer Geschichtenhaus is housed in the St.-Jakobus-Packhaus on Wüstestätte in the Schnoor quarter. The warehouse building is first mentioned in 1660 and is considered the oldest surviving packing house in the city; it has been remodeled several times, most recently in 1999, and has been a listed monument since 1973. A statue of St. James on the facade gave the building its name.
In May 2006, the employment organization bras e.V. opened a "living museum" here. Long-term unemployed people, under professional guidance, develop roles of well-known Bremen personalities, train their voices and stage presence, and in some cases sew their own costumes. The project thus combines city history with the goal of helping participants find their way back into working life; it is funded mainly by public money. In 2008 it was honored as a "Ausgewählter Ort im Land der Ideen" (Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas).
Visitors can experience the exhibition only on an interactive performance tour lasting about an hour. Characters such as the master cooper, the poisoner Gesche Gottfried, the local character Heini Holtenbeen and Fisch-Lucie tell stories from the mid-17th to the early 20th century at stations ranging from the merchant's office and the market square to the plague and the cathedral fire. Because the cast changes, every tour is a little different. In 2026, the house celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Highlights
- Performance tour with costumed Bremen characters such as Heini Holtenbeen and Gesche Gottfried
- Hands-on stations from the merchant's office to the cathedral fire
- St.-Jakobus-Packhaus, Bremen's oldest surviving packing house
- Children's birthday parties in the historic cellar
Permanent exhibitions
- Bremer Geschichte(n) live erleben – Costumed performers lead visitors through recreated scenes – from a merchant's office, coffee house and market square to the plague and the cathedral fire – giving voice to Bremen personalities from three centuries, with opportunities to join in.
- Founded
- 2006
- Operated by
- bras e.V.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11.80 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.80University students, apprentices, people with a disability rating (GdB) of 50 or more, the unemployed and other benefit recipients (with proof) |
| Children & teens | €5Children's price up to the 16th birthday; no free-admission age is stated. |
| Seniors | €10.80 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7.80Reduced rate with a disability rating (GdB) of 50 or more. |
| Students & apprentices | €7.80 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €10.80 per personPer person; groups please register in advance. |
| Families | €19.80 |
| Private tour (up to 10 people) | €200Each additional person €20. |
| School class (up to 20 students) | €80Each additional child €5; advance registration required. |
| Preschool group | €55 |
| Children's birthday party (up to 10 people) | €80Performance tour, costumes, a set table with drinks and sweets, about 2 hours; each additional person €8, max. 15 people; advance registration required. |
Prices as of January 8, 2026. Bookable through Bremen Tourismus only up to 5 days in advance.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- 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
According to the museum, wheelchair-accessible; accessible restroom available. An accessible tour can be requested via the contact form.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | €19.80 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties (about 2 hours, up to 15 children) with costumes, a tour of the house, puzzles and a certificate; programs for school classes and daycare centers.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Domsheide
Domsheide stop: tram 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8, bus 24 and 25; from there a few minutes' walk into the Schnoor.
By car
Parking available
Parking garages Violenstraße and Ostertor.
Nearest taxi stand at the Domshof.
Get directionsAmenities & 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 | The exhibition can be seen only as part of a performance tour (about 60 minutes); not all stations are performed on every tour. School classes, preschools and larger groups should register in advance. |
