Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum's roots go back to 1859, when an “industrial hall” was set up in the attic of a school in Idar where local gem-cutting workshops and engravers could display their products. A museum display was added in 1878, and in 1896 the institution moved into a newly built trade hall on Mainzer Straße, which was expanded in the 1930s with a library, a mineral collection and a laboratory.

In 1973 the collection moved into the high-rise of the Diamond and Gemstone Exchange (Diamant- und Edelsteinbörse) and has been called the Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum ever since. The Stiftung Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum (foundation) was established in 1995; a year later the museum moved into the listed villa “Purpers Schlösschen” on Hauptstraße, built in 1894 for a pearl merchant. A friends' association has supported its work since 2008.

On three floors and around 800 square meters, the museum displays more than 10,000 objects. The tour begins with agates and jasper from the region and the tradition of water-powered cutting mills, continues through gemology and gemstones from every continent to the glyptotheque with gems and cameos, and on to concave-cut and engraved works. It ends with a treasury of diamonds and an adventure cave for children. Special exhibitions change annually in the vaulted cellar.

Highlights

• More than 10,000 gemstones and cut objects from around the world
• Glyptotheque with engraved gems, cameos and seals
• Jasper sphere 53 cm in diameter
• Treasury with diamonds and replicas of famous cut stones
• Works by Idar-Oberstein engravers, including pieces for Fabergé

Permanent exhibitions

• Dauerausstellung – A tour across three floors from local agates through colored gemstones from every continent to glyptic art, concave cutting and diamonds.

Founded

1859

Operated by

Stiftung Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum

Admission & discounts

Free admission for children under 6 is inferred from the price structure (children's rate from age 6). Reduced admission with the guest and family cards of the Deutsche Edelsteinstraße (German Gem Route).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Certified under “Reisen für Alle” (“Barrierefreiheit geprüft”, accessibility verified); all visitor areas can be reached step-free or by elevator/ramp, wheelchair-accessible restroom. Assistance dogs are of course welcome. Small dogs may be brought in if carried; larger dogs are allowed only in the shop and the hallway, not in the exhibition rooms.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Kids’ birthday parties

Age-appropriate museum scavenger hunt with a small prize drawing, possible at any time. Bookable children's workshops (about 2–2.5 hours) with a tour and a creative part, also as a children's birthday party. Family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with gemstones, minerals, jewelry, specialist literature and a chain-making workshop.

Events & venue rental

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

Plan your visit